British Mauritius, 1869
In 1869 the Colonial flag of Mauritius was the Blue Ensign, with on a white disc, a shield placed on an ornate frame. The shield was divided into four quarters. In the first quarter was a three-masted sailing ship, the second quarter displayed three palm trees. The third quarter showed a golden key on a black background. The fourth quarter was divided horizontally to represent the sky above the sea, and light from a six-pointed star shining down, reflecting in the sea. A scroll displayed the motto, in Latin, “Stella Clavisque Maris Indici” (Star and Key of the Indian Ocean).