“A signature reveals a man’s character—and sometimes even his name”

“A signature always reveals a man’s character — and sometimes even his name” is a jocular line that has been credited to humorist and author Evan Esar (1899-1995), who included it in 20,000 Quips & Quotes (1968) and The Comic Encyclopedia (1978). A “Comic Dictionary” entry (probably written by Esar) was given in December 1962 newspapers:
 
“Signature—A specimen of handwriting that reveals a man’s character—and sometimes even his name.”
 
 
10 December 1962, Augusta (GA) Chronicle, “Comic Dictionary,” pg. 1, col. 1:
SIGNATURE
A specimen of handwriting that reveals a man’s character—and sometimes even his name.
   
Google Books
The Comic Encyclopedia:
A Library of the Literature and History of Humor Containing Thousands of Gags, Sayings, and Stories
By Evan Esar
Garden City, NY: Doubleday
1978
Pg. 118:
A signature always reveals a man’s character — and sometimes his name.
 
1 June 1991, Aberdeen (SD) AMerican News, Ann Landers syndicated advice column, pg. 6A, col. 3:
Gem of the Day: A signature always reveals a man’s characters—and sometimes even his name.
 
Google Books
20,000 Quips & Quotes
By Evan Esar
New York, NY: Barnes & Noble Books
1995, ©1968
Pg. 735:
A signature always reveals a man’s character — and sometimes even his name.
   
Google Books
The Mammoth Book of One-Liners
By Geoff Tibballs
London: Constable & Robinson Ltd.
2012
Pg. ?:
A signature always reveals a man’s character, and sometimes even his name. Spike Milligan
 
Twitter
Social In Memphis
‏@SocialinMemphis
“A signature always reveals a man’s character - and sometimes even his name.” - Evan Esar
10:14 PM - 13 Nov 2015