Group II is the middle chapter of the Beehive promotion, and for most collectors, it is also the most accessible. Issued from 1944 through the early 1960s, this nearly two-decade run produced the largest number of surviving photos across the entire Beehive program.
Because Group II photos are both more numerous and generally younger than Group I, they tend to survive in better average condition, making this the era most new Beehive collectors gravitate toward first.
This guide covers what defines Group II, how it fits between the earlier and later eras, and what to know before building a collection around this specific chunk of the promotion's history.
If you are choosing which Beehive era to focus on first, Group II's combination of availability and post-war star power makes a strong case for starting here.
Group II photos were issued starting in 1944, immediately following the Second World War, and ran into the early 1960s. The mail-in redemption process stayed the same as Group I: send in a proof-of-purchase label, choose an available player, and receive a photo by mail.
Design-wise, Group II is generally described as using a larger script style for the player nameplate than Group I, a subtle but real visual distinction collectors use to separate the two eras at a glance.
Nearly two decades of continuous production, combined with strong post-war consumer demand for the promotion, means Group II simply produced more photos over its run than either of the other two groups. That larger population is exactly why it is the group most commonly found today.
More available supply generally means more accessible pricing for common players within Group II, making it a practical entry point for a collector building their first Beehive run.
Group II's run coincides with a genuine golden era of NHL popularity, as the league's Original Six teams built deep, storied rosters through the late 1940s and 1950s. That timing gave the promotion access to an especially strong pool of star talent throughout its run.
Collectors chasing star-heavy Beehive photos often find Group II offers the richest combination of star availability and relative affordability compared to the scarcer Group I.
Like Group I, Group II photos were mounted on colored card mats and kept the same basic black-and-white portrait format. The physical scale remains oversized compared to a standard trading card, meaning the same non-standard storage considerations apply.
Facsimile autographs appear on many Group II photos, a detail that adds visual interest without functioning as a genuine player signature, since these were printed as part of the promotional design.
Group II photos generally survive in noticeably better condition on average than Group I, simply by being one to two decades younger. Sharp corners and vibrant, unfaded mats are realistically achievable within this group in a way they rarely are for Group I.
That said, condition still varies significantly photo to photo, since these were handled as keepsakes rather than stored archivally by most original owners.
Given the sheer size of this group, most collectors again benefit from a focused approach, whether that means chasing a specific team's post-war roster, a run of Hall of Fame names, or simply photos in the best condition available within budget. The larger surviving population makes a themed approach genuinely achievable here.
Card shows, dedicated vintage hockey dealers, and specialized online auctions remain the most reliable sourcing channels, the same as with any Beehive group.
Team-based collecting works especially well within Group II given the group's size, since a collector can realistically assemble a meaningful run of photos from a single Original Six franchise's post-war roster without running into the scarcity walls that limit similar projects in Group I. That makes Group II a genuinely satisfying group to build depth in over time.
Roughly 1944 through the early 1960s.
Its nearly two-decade run produced more photos than either Group I or Group III.
Group II generally uses a larger script style for the player nameplate.
No, they are printed facsimile signatures, part of the promotional design.
Yes, its combination of availability and post-war star power makes it a practical entry point.
With Group II photos generally surviving in better condition than earlier examples, it's worth protecting that condition the moment you acquire one. A collector album keeps your growing Group II run organized and easy to browse by team or era. Starting here before moving on to Group I or Group III gives most new collectors the smoothest possible entry into the wider Beehive hobby.
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