Mauritius post office

The 1847 issue of the Mauritius 'Post Office' stamps is one of the most coveted treasures in world philately.

About this subject

The 'Post Office' stamps of Mauritius were issued in September 1847, making them the first postage stamps of a British colony. The set comprised two denominations: a one-penny orange-red stamp (known as the 'Red Mauritius') and a two-pence deep blue stamp (the 'Blue Mauritius'). What makes these stamps extraordinarily rare is an inscription error: instead of 'Post Paid', as was standard in British colonies, they bear the legend 'Post Office'. This error occurred because the engraver, Joseph Osmond Barnard, likely based his design on the handstamp used at the time.

The history of these stamps is filled with legends and astronomical prices. It is believed that only about 500 of each color were printed, and of those, fewer than 30 of each survive today. The most famous specimen is the 'Bordeaux Cover', which bears both stamps and was sent to France in 1847. Discovered in 1902, this cover has sold for millions of dollars. Other notable copies include the 'Post Museum Cover' and those from the Sir William Gell collection.

The 'Red Mauritius' and 'Blue Mauritius' are considered the 'queens' of philately, alongside the British 'Penny Black'. Their rarity and historical fascination make them targets for billionaire collectors and museums. In 2021, a pair of 'Blue Mauritius' stamps sold for €8.6 million. These stamps are not only a postal milestone but also an intriguing chapter of colonial history and global communication.

The Mauritius post office in Port Louis is the historic building where these stamps were issued. Although the building has been reconstructed, it remains a symbol of the island's philatelic past. For enthusiasts, visiting the post office is a pilgrimage, and the local museum displays replicas and documents related to the original stamps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Mauritius 'Post Office' stamps so valuable?

They are extremely rare (fewer than 30 of each color survive) and feature a historical error in the inscription 'Post Office' instead of 'Post Paid', plus they are the first stamps of a British colony. Well-preserved examples or original covers fetch millions at auction.

What is the difference between the 'Red Mauritius' and the 'Blue Mauritius'?

The main difference is color and face value: the 'Red Mauritius' is orange-red and worth one penny, while the 'Blue Mauritius' is deep blue and worth two pence. Both share the same design and inscription error.

Where can I see the original Mauritius stamps?

Original stamps are held in museums and private collections worldwide, such as the British Postal Museum in London and the National Library of France. The Port Louis post office in Mauritius displays replicas and historical documents.