This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/13/2024
Here is a near-complete master set of the 1964-1967 Beehive Photos Group 3 series, featuring 203 of the 228 cards released in this iconic collection. Issued by the St. Lawrence Starch Company, the Beehive cards spanned over three decades, with Group 3 marking the grand finale. Each card measures 5.5 x 8 inches and showcases a black-and-white player photo framed by a dark, woodgrain border—a classic yet delicate presentation prone to wear due to the large format, thin paper, and dark edges.
These cards capture a mix of posed action shots and intimate player portraits, representing every team in the league and including numerous stars and Hall of Famers like Gordie Howe, Phil Esposito, Bobby Hull, and Jacques Plante. The set’s comprehensiveness makes it highly sought after, and, as with many extensive, multi-year collections, variations and updates add to its intrigue. Out of the 25 cards missing from this set, ten remain unconfirmed in the current price guide, suggesting that this collection could be even closer to completion than initially indicated.
Condition-wise, approximately 90% of the cards rate from Excellent to Near Mint, with the remaining 10% showing some wear, slight wrinkles, album residue, or subtle pencil marks on the blank backs. Missing cards include M. Hall, B. Hull (home reverse negative), B. Hull (home portrait), Maki, Melnyk (unconfirmed), Pilote (home), St. Laurent (unconfirmed), Bathgate (partial), Delvecchio (away), Faulkner, Joyal (reverse negative), and several other rare and variant entries.
The Beehive Photos series stands as a fascinating, comprehensive collection in the card-collecting world, with few parallels. This particular set is an impressive example of its legacy, filled with significant highlights and celebrated hockey history.