Mauritius 1859 "Lapirot" Issue, Queen Victoria

Mauritius · 1859 · 2d

This stamp features a seated figure of Britannia, a design adapted from an earlier British revenue stamp. Engraved by Jules Lapirot, the design is often considered primitive or crude compared to the Perkins Bacon issues it replaced, earning it the nickname "Lapirot" issue. The stamp is inscribed "POSTAGE" at the top and "MAURITIUS" at the bottom.

Issued under British colonial rule, this stamp replaced the earlier Perkins Bacon printings. Its local production by Lapirot resulted in a distinctive, less refined appearance that makes it a classic and sought-after issue among philatelists.