via this auction
"Up for auction today is one of the great pieces of musical history, the Hammond Novachord. When these were originally made in the late 1930's and early 1940's, they cost as much as a house! The Novachord is recognized as the first production synthesizer, decades ahead of everyone else. If you've ever watched an old sci-fi or horror film from the 1950's then you've heard a Novachord. There are only several hundred of these in existence out of an original production of just over 1000. The value of these will only GO UP. This is one piece of musical equipment that is rare enough to be considered as a true financial investment. 
This particular Novachord does turn on and play. We put new 2A3 power tubes in the power amplifier, and tested all of the other tubes. We ended up replacing roughly 14 tubes, the rest tested ok. The notes above middle C all seem to work well. 90% of the notes below middle C do not work. My guess is that the frequency dividers for those notes need some work. All of the knobs turn freely. The vibrato works and most other functions work to SOME degree. This being said, THIS NOVACHORD WILL NEED WORK. This is NOT A 100% fully working unit! There are a few websites out there that have great information about how to restore a Novachord. This unit has the original preamplifier, speakers, and power amplifier. I believe that the bench is original but I'm not 100% sure. The finish is rough and will need attention. One support that connects the left front leg to the left rear leg is cracked and will need to be glued. There is also a crack in the wood on the faceplate that will need to be glued. The speakers are original but do have some small tears and punctures. I'm sure that there are other nicks and dings on this instrument but the pictures should give you a pretty good idea. Overall this is a very nice instrument that is just waiting for the right owner!!!"
