1c Blue, Ty. II, Cracked Plate (7 var). Positions 1-4/11-14/23-24L2, block of ten, mostly disturbed original gum, few h.r., large margins to in including top sheet margin, clearly showing the plate crack from top of selvage to bottom of block, deep rich color, horizontal and vertical creases, Position 12 closed tear

FINE-VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A REMARKABLE MULTIPLE OF THE ONE-CENT TYPE II FROM PLATE 2, CLEARLY SHOWING THE CRACKED PLATE IN THE SHEET MARGIN AND IN FOUR POSITIONS. A WONDERFUL SHOWPIECE.

Unlike plate cracks resulting from stress fractures during the course of printing, the Plate 2 crack is believed to have been caused by an integral flaw in the steel. As Plate 2 was used, the crack widened and extended downward into the fourth row. Due to the nature of this unusually large crack, Ashbrook preferred to call it the "Plate 2 Flaw."

Owner's backstamp on one stamp. With 2019 P.F. certificate

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables