Mauritius "Dardenne" Lithograph, Seated Britannia

Mauritius · 1859 · 2d

This stamp features the classic Seated Britannia design, a common motif for British colonial issues of the era. It was printed locally in Mauritius by L. A. Dardenne using lithography, resulting in a somewhat cruder appearance compared to the original engraved versions from Perkins Bacon. The design shows Britannia seated with a shield and trident, with the country name at the top and the denomination, Two Pence, at the bottom.

Issued in 1859, this stamp is part of the later lithographed series that replaced the earlier, more finely engraved Perkins Bacon prints. These locally produced stamps, known as the "Dardenne" issues, are significant in Mauritian philately for their distinct characteristics and historical importance.