Mauritius 'Post Office' Issue

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d / 2d

This issue features a profile portrait of Queen Victoria, engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The stamps are inscribed with 'POST OFFICE' along the left panel, an error that was corrected to 'POST PAID' on subsequent printings. The design is simple, with the denomination at the bottom and 'MAURITIUS' at the top.

Issued under British colonial rule, these were the first stamps of the British Empire produced outside of Great Britain. They were printed locally in Port Louis for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife, Lady Gomm.