Barbados – Scott # 242

Description

This Barbados definitive stamp, Scott #242, was issued during the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II and continues the island’s pictorial tradition of featuring local symbols alongside the reigning monarch. The stamp depicts the flying fish, an enduring emblem of Barbados and a vital part of its maritime economy and cultural identity.

The central design shows a flying fish gliding above the ocean surface, rendered with elegant line work that conveys motion and lightness. The subject reflects the importance of fishing to Barbadian life and reinforces the island’s close relationship with the sea. A cameo portrait of Queen Elizabeth II appears in the upper corner, marking the transition from King George VI to the new monarch while maintaining continuity in Commonwealth stamp design.

Printed in a finely engraved style, the stamp emphasizes clarity, balance, and durability. The restrained color palette enhances legibility and highlights the contrast between sea, fish, and inscriptions, making it both visually appealing and functionally effective for everyday postal use.

This example is offered mint never hinged (MNH), with full original gum and no hinge marks. Clean MNH copies of early Queen Elizabeth II Barbados definitives are increasingly desirable, particularly those featuring iconic national imagery.

Scott Catalog Number: 242
Denomination: 12 cents
Design: Flying Fish
Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH)
Country: Barbados