Mauritius "Lapirot" Issue, Queen Victoria

Mauritius · 1859 · 2 Pence

This stamp features a seated Britannia, a classic symbol of the British Empire, and was printed from a re-engraved plate originally created by Jules Lapirot. The design is a local, somewhat primitive interpretation of the earlier 'Post Paid' issues, giving it a distinct character. The stamp is printed in a deep blue color on bluish paper.

Issued under British colonial rule, the 'Lapirot' issue followed the famous and extremely rare 'Post Office' stamps. These stamps were used for local and international mail from the island, a key port in the Indian Ocean.