A Rare Collection of 600+ Commodore 64 and 128 Items: A Tribute to a Collector’s Legacy

(Click here if you'd like to check out a fairly extensive Excel spreadsheet of these 600+ items) 📋

As an electronics recycler with a passion for ensuring as much technology sees a second or third life, especially vintage tech, Phoenix Solutions (PXS) has the privilege of handling tons of devices over the years (literally).

But every so often, we come across something truly special — and that’s exactly what we encountered when Mrs. Mabel Rhodes*** (name changed to protect her anonymity) introduced us to her vast Commodore collection of hardware and software.

It’s the kind of accumulation of electronics that would excite any vintage computing enthusiast or collector.

But beyond the nostalgia and the sheer value of the items, what stands out most is the story behind the collection which is also the story of computing history.

An Abbreviated History of the Iconic Commodore 📚

For those who don’t know, the Commodore 64 (C64) and its successor, the Commodore 128 (C128), hold a special place in computing history.

42 years ago, the C64 was released in 1982, and with its iconic 8-bit architecture, it moved 12.5 million units and became the best-selling home computer of its time. It’s also the platform that helped popularize PC gaming worldwide (personal computer gaming).

The C128 followed shortly after in 1985, with a less popular run of 2 million units and offered improved performance and compatibility with both 64 and 128 modes.

To this day, there’s still a dedicated community of enthusiasts who appreciate the Commodore brand. From retro gaming to DIY computing projects, the Commodore 64 and 128 continue to inspire new generations of hobbyists and collectors.

The Rhodes' Legacy of Computers & Video Games

This collection isn’t just a nostalgic collection of electronics — it’s an accumulation of 40+ years of passion, dedication, and history.

As her devoted husband of half a century, Mr. Rhodes was an engineer who was also a devoted hobbyist with a lifetime love for the Commodore brand. He acquired 600+ Commodore items for the 64, 128, Amiga CD 32, old IBM, and more!

This includes original manuals, boxes, and other packaging as well as variety of OEM accessories like joysticks, keyboards, and cables.

But sadly, Mr. Rhodes had passed away several years ago, and his wife had been left with the task of handling this legacy. Rather than letting all of this sit and gather dust in storage, Mabel realized there were other Commodore lovers out there who might carry on the love her husband had for these devices.

Selling this treasure trove of Commodore equipment was more than a financial decision, but also a way to honor the memory of a good man who spent decades pursuing a well-loved hobby. It’s a bittersweet process, but it’s one that acknowledges the love and dedication Mr. Rhodes poured into his hobby.

But finding a buyer for all of this though was something she felt uncomfortable with.

Who could she entrust to help her to sell her husband’s beloved Commodore collection then?

Mabel called around all throughout the Greater St. Louis area to find the best sales partner. That’s when she discovered Phoenix Solutions!

Keeping Vintage (and Current) Tech in Circularity

At PXS, one of our primary goals is to keep technology in circularity.

Circularity for electronics recycling = finding a new life for electronics through reuse, refurbishment, or responsible recycling.

This ensures old equipment doesn’t end up in a landfill just because the original owner doesn’t need or want them anymore.

The beauty of this Commodore collection is that even 40 years onwards, these electronics aren’t just computing history. They’re still devices that vintage computing enthusiasts use to this day and collectors treasure.

Rather than letting these items gather dust or go to waste, the goal is to pass them along to people who will also cherish them like Mr. Rhodes to restore and keep them in use for years to come.

That’s why we’re reaching out to the community of Commodore lovers and anyone who might appreciate Mrs. Rhodes’ rare pieces of computing and gaming history.

If you’re someone who appreciates the Commodore legacy — whether you’re a diehard fan, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates vintage technology — this is an opportunity to acquire and continue this legacy OR to help get the news out about Mrs. Rhodes’ collection!

These items aren’t just for resale; they’re a tribute to the joy and passion that drove the collector to spend decades building this collection.

We want to help Mrs. Rhodes find the best new home for these old electronics, and that might be you!

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the items from this incredible collection or would like to learn more, please reach out at 877-898-6526 ☎️ or admin@psitad.com ✉️.