1c Blue, Ty. II, Major Plate Crack (20 var). Block of 17 containing Positions 3-5/12-15/21-25/31-35L2, plus Position 2L2 hinged in place at top left (original gum), block is unused (no gum), with part imprint selvage at left, showing all positions of the plate crack, rich color, detailed impression which clearly shows the plate flaw, few perf separations sensibly reinforced, couple faults including one stamp at right with perf flaws, Position 21 surface scrape, light crease at top right and tiny thin specks, Position 2L2 lightly toned

FINE APPEARANCE. THE ONLY RECORDED UNUSED BLOCK OF THE 1857 PERFORATED ONE-CENT SHOWING THE “BIG CRACK” IN PLATE 2. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PERFORATED ONE-CENT MULTIPLES IN EXISTENCE. A MAGNIFICENT SHOWPIECE.

The fracture on Plate 2 began above Position 2 on the left pane and continued downward in a “lightning bolt” jagged line across Positions 12-13L, 23L and at a later stage just into 33L (as seen in this block). It was probably caused by an inherent flaw created during the manufacture of the steel plate.

Regarding this block, Ashbrook wrote (personal letter to Neinken): “It is not only very rare but so far as I am aware it is unique... In all my years with the One-Cent I never even heard of a block of four which included any of the Plate 2 crack positions.” It is also described and illustrated by Morris Fortgang in his article “The One Cent Stamp of 1857: Types–Varieties–Rarities” (1957 Congress Book, p. 126) and by Neinken in his book (p. 196).

Ex Neinken and Wagshal. Position 2L2 with 1978 P.F. certificate

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