The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 resulted in a British resident being appointed to mediate between the local chiefs and the British government, but continuing strife prompted the annexation of Zululand on May 9, 1887, followed by its attachment to Natal on December 31, 1897. (say more about the administration of Zululand)
A post office was established in Eshowe in 1887, but an official postal system was not started until May 1, 1888, at which time both Zululand and Natal became members of the Universal Postal Union. At first, the territory used postage stamps of Great Britain and Natal overprinted "ZULULAND"; regular ("Key Plate") issues with a profile of Queen Victoria, inscribed "ZULULAND" appeared in 1894 and were in use at 21 post offices, up until the annexation by Natal. Only the lowest values are commonly seen today, priced at US$2 or so, while some higher values are worth hundreds of dollars.
