2d Blue stamp lettered H -D, identified as coming from plate 1 using British Line-Engraved Stamps. Twopence Blue. Studies Of Plates 1 to 15 by H. Osborne.
Period of use: The plate was registered on 2 May, 1840, but wore out very quickly and was thus used only until 18 July, 1840 when Plate 2 became ready.
Colour: Pale blue.
Cancellation: Clear Maltese Cross cancellation in red (more usual on this plate).
Main identification clues:
- Vertical sideline in the NW square is faint (very common on this plate).
- Ray flaws in the right star which is missing two rays – nos. 2 and 10 (counting clockwise).