Not much is known of the MERLIN depict on the stamp, she did belong to the port of Bristol in the U.K.
During 1562 two vessels the MERLIN and JOHN THE BABTISTS sailed from England with the intention to trade with the native population of Sierra Leone.
The MERLIN got a cargo of cloth, iron tools and utensils to trade.
She returned in England with ivory and timber.
Sierra Leone 1984 5c sg 821B, scott?
Lost the source.