Mauritius 'Post Office' Issue

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d Red & 2d Blue

The Mauritius 'Post Office' issue features a profile portrait of Queen Victoria. The design is simple, with the words 'POST OFFICE' inscribed on the left panel, 'MAURITIUS' on the right, 'POSTAGE' at the top, and the denomination at the bottom. These were the first stamps issued in any British colony.

Issued in 1847 under British colonial rule, these stamps were printed locally in Port Louis for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife. The 'Post Office' inscription was an error, later corrected to 'Post Paid' on subsequent printings.