SG34 is printed from Plate 5. Plate 5 has several identifying characteristics related to its printing history and repairs. This plate was first used for the 1d black and was repaired multiple times, which left distinctive marks on the stamps printed from it.

General characteristics

Plate history: Originally used for the Penny Black (SG2), Plate 5 was subsequently used to print the 1d red-brown (SG7) and the 2d blue (SG34). It underwent at least five different states due to wear and repairs.

State of the plate: The impressions from Plate 5 often show signs of being heavily worn and re-entered, with some printings showing strong impressions while others were weakened.

Identifying characteristics specific to Plate 5

Features related to repairs

Thinned corner letters: The corner letters of some stamps from Plate 5, particularly in its later states, appear thinned or weak. This is a key diagnostic feature, especially on stamps printed after the plate was repaired.

Faint letters: On some repaired states of the plate, one or both of the corner check letters became very faint. For example, on the TB-state 2 and OB-state 2 stamps, the "B" letter is notably thinned or weak.

Vertical guide line: For certain positions, such as EK, a vertical guide line can be observed in the northeast square.