Signaculum

Although the origins of exactly when or why the Roman army decided to use the signaculum for their soldiers are not clear, there are, regardless, references to its use in some historical documents, which indicate its composition (lead), as well as the fact that it is given after it is determined a man is fit to serve the legion.

In a document from 295, Maximilian of Tebessa, an early Christian martyr, is being recruited as an officer in the Roman army against his wishes: When he was being got ready, Maximilianus replied: 'I cannot serve as a soldier.

After their examination, the recruits should then receive the military mark, and be taught the use of their arms by constant and daily exercise.

[5] Items made from terra cotta, lead, and other impressionable materials were often stamped with a maker's mark during manufacture.

It is possible that signacula that were carried by domestic workers were used as stamps to record usage of tools, and debts from one to another.