Marks used for Signing

[sami]

Hi Chatters:

When transcribing I often see an 'X' or 'O' or '+' used as someone's mark. Recently came across a very different mark that looked like a '5' or a 'G'.

It got me wondering how it is decided what mark someone uses. Does anyone have any ideas on this or know of any resources that cover making a mark as your signature?

sami

[stanmapstone]

An individual can use any character, symbol, figure, or designation he wishes to adopt as a signature.
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Signature

Stan

[sami]

Thank you Stan - I understand that, but still wonder why in 1807 this individual chooses to make such a mark. Be interesting to know if he always used such a mark. I'll have to do a bit of digging.

sami 

[LizzieL]

An individual can use any character, symbol, figure, or designation he wishes to adopt as a signature.
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Signature

Stan

I wonder when a "mark" becomes a signature. My OH has an indecipherable and quite difficult to copy signature, just his first initial with a wiggly bit in the middle and an e on the end.

On an ancestors will, it looks like someone thought his signature was his mark.

[LizzieL]

Just realised that even Robert in the 1600s makes a better job of the surname than my OH

[Bookbox]

On an ancestors will, it looks like someone thought his signature was his mark.

I don’t think the signature above is Robert’s own. It looks like Robert started writing his name, as Rob, and the clerk (or whoever) wrote ‘his mark’ above it, then wrote out Robert Livermore’s name in full on either side. So Rob was effectively used as his mark.

[Geoff-E]

I don’t think the signature above is Robert’s own. It looks like Robert started writing his name, as Rob, and the clerk (or whoever) wrote ‘his mark’ above it, then wrote out Robert Livermore’s name in full on either side. So Rob was effectively used as his mark.

Yes, I once saw Sop accompanied by  "the mark of Sophia Brown".

Actually, a few years ago, our son in law and his best man thought it a good idea to use their "business" signatures.  The vicar thought otherwise-

[LizzieL]

On an ancestors will, it looks like someone thought his signature was his mark.

I don’t think the signature above is Robert’s own. It looks like Robert started writing his name, as Rob, and the clerk (or whoever) wrote ‘his mark’ above it, then wrote out Robert Livermore’s name in full on either side. So Rob was effectively used as his mark.

But underneath it looks like Robert had another attempt at signing his name.

[LizzieL]

Another Robert Livermore, but with innovative mark. Looks like his bride copied him.