The design of the three main values of the first Guild of Merchants stamps parallels the George VI definitive issues of many of the smaller and far-flung territories of the British Empire. This stamp from Barbados has much in common with the three middle values.

An inspection of these stamps suggests that the central illustrations were not the work of Alan Batley; they are not his style of artwork. Alan did of course supply the artwork for the coat of arms and Vetinaris bust which was redrawn in reduced size from the Penny Patrician image. The main artwork looks to be in the style of a vintage print, from a book even. Perhaps these were chosen as something for Alan to work from, but in the end were considered good enough for the job. Works for me!