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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: AnneD on Saturday 31 October 15 12:54 GMT (UK)

Title: 1700 Scottish Testament - strange symbols
Post by: AnneD on Saturday 31 October 15 12:54 GMT (UK)

I am deciphering a 1702 testament - my first attempt - and these symbols appear frequently, usually associated with Names, dates, or sums of money.  Could anyone more experienced tell my what they are, and what they mean, or indicate ? 

Title: Re: 1700 Scottish Testament - strange symbols
Post by: GR2 on Saturday 31 October 15 13:00 GMT (UK)

If you showed a little more, it would help put them in context.

Title: Re: 1700 Scottish Testament - strange symbols
Post by: AnneD on Saturday 31 October 15 13:27 GMT (UK)

Thanks for reply - 2 context examples below

Title: Re: 1700 Scottish Testament - strange symbols
Post by: GR2 on Saturday 31 October 15 14:25 GMT (UK)

The first seems to be a form of librae = Latin for pounds, usually written li or lib.

The second one is an abbreviation of centum = Latin for 100.

Title: Re: 1700 Scottish Testament - strange symbols
Post by: AnneD on Saturday 31 October 15 21:56 GMT (UK)

many thanks - certainly makes complete sense for the second (money) example; not so much before and after the year.  I appreciate your help with this. 

Title: Re: 1700 Scottish Testament - strange symbols
Post by: GR2 on Saturday 31 October 15 23:36 GMT (UK)

It does not seem to serve much purpose around 1690:

moneth of [  ] 1690 [  ] zeirs faithfullie maid and gi[ven up]