Signed, sealed, and delivered

Posted by David FG on March 28, 2006

In Reply to: Signed, sealed, and delivered posted by Darla on March 27, 2006

: what is the origin of the phrase "signed, sealed, and delivered"

Under English law (and the law of other states which are based upon it) certain contracts - particularly those dealing with land (real property) required (and still require) greater formality than those for other property. Among these are the need to have contracts for the sale of land to be signed, impressed with a seal, and personally delivered to the other party. Hence, signed, sealed and delivered: done fully and with proper formality.

DFG

• Signed, sealed, and delivered Lewis 31/March/06