I have brown wax Edison cylinders as well as Columbia. I have several Edison and Columbia cylinders with rounded ends that are free from any writing. The title and/or number is just imprinted below the rim on the side of the cylinder. I'm guessing these were next in age after the brown wax? Then I have many Columbia cylinders with a metal reinforcement ring and flat rims with the title, artist and a date of July 29,'02. Some are 2 minute and some are 4 minute. (The 4 minute cylinders have a "4M. just before the number of cylinder.) Then I have what appears to be Edison 4 minute black wax cylinders? They all have the "4M- then the number of cylinder and have flat rims. Next, there are many black edison cylinders with beveled tops that I believe are wax. Half of the cylinders of this style are completely smooth inside and the other half have a black spiral wax ridge running throughout the inside similar to the plaster on Blue Amberols. Then there are a couple dozen Blue Amberol cylinders with the flat tops. Some of these say "special" on them. Next, 3 dozen or so Blue Amberol cylinders with beveled tops, which I am assuming are the most recent in the production of cylinders. There are 5 or so very light blue cylinders with the metal rings inside that I am assuming may be Oxford or Indestructible? There is also a Lakeside cylinder in the bunch.
Anyway, I have about 90% of the original boxes with matching lids as well as some of the slips that go with the early Edison cylinders. The problem is, I haven't a clue as to which ones are valuable, rare, or more desirable for a collection. I organized these to sell but don't know where to start when it comes to what to look for with regards to the hard to find cylinders. Obviously condition, title, and the artist play a major factor in the desirability of a cylinder, as well as subject.
Aside from that, could anyone give me numbers to look for, styles that are more sought after than others, or any other identifying characteristics to watch for when going through these? I know that most Blue Amberol cylinders over 5000 tend to be collectible, and that foreign cylinders and cylinders in the 29000's are nice finds. But before I sell these cylinders as a lot, what should I be on the look out for?
Any help would greatly be appreciated!

