Mauritius 1859 Lapirot Issue, Queen Victoria

Mauritius · 1859 · 2d

This stamp features a crudely engraved portrait of Queen Victoria, facing left, within a rectangular frame. Known as the "Lapirot Issue," it was engraved by Jules Lapirot and printed locally in Port Louis. The primitive design is a hallmark of this classic and highly sought-after issue.

Issued during the British colonial period, this stamp followed the famous "Post Office" issue and was created locally due to a shortage of stamps from Great Britain. Its crude engraving makes it one of the most distinctive classic stamps.