I have about 30 ABU reel dating back to 1960. Other than Ebay(disparate pricing), where can I find out the value of my reel collection.

google Bernie Schultz. He collects old stuff and may be able to point you in the right direction.

Take them to Southwest Parts on Mockingbird and Irving Blvd.

Go to a book store and casually look them up in a pricing guide.

It all depends on rarity and condition. For instance, there is a old 5000 unused in the original packaging with all accessories on Ebay right now with a current bid of $255 and the auction isn't over. On the other hand, old 5000's in what appears to be decent condition with light rash are selling for around $30. Ebay prices (look at completed items) are a good indicator of what things will sell for. The thing is, you have to look at the prices over a period of time to get a reasonable average of selling prices. I sold two Shimano Mag 10's a few years ago on ebay; both were in identical new condition and I sold them two weeks apart. The first one sold for $45 and I was happy, so I listed the second. There were two guys that really wanted that one: it sold for over $80.

aI also have 40-50 older ambassadeurs. The price always depends on condition. New, in-the-box 5500C'c have brought almost $1,000.00 on e-bay. I have mine cleaned and re-built when necessary by Southwest Parts--including sideplates. I have every Ambassadeur they made except the brown 5500C. That one goes for big bucks if decent. I am not an avid collector--I just like to fish with them, I keep 15-18 rigged up all the time in my boat. I use the 4500C most of the time. The 1600D is a great reel for cranking. The best place to find value is e-bay, but you need to follow it for several months to get a feel for value. Prices can and will vary with the season--like from now thru March, the prices are higher.
Good luck if you're trying to sell.
JB Cue

probaly some of the the reason they sell for different prices on e-bay

http://reviews.ebay.com/FAKE-OR-NOT-FAKE-AMBASSADEUR-REELS-AUTHENTIC-OR-REBUILT_W0QQugidZ10000000001984641?ssPageName=BUYGD:CAT:-1:LISTINGS:3