Our mark is based on the 'sign of 4' which has long been used by merchants to mark their wares. The sign of four was an outgrowth of an early Christian symbol, Chi Rho (XP), standing for Christus Rex in Greek letters; this was simplified to a reversed '4' in Medieval times.We combine this with the 'orb and cross' which is one of the alchemical symbols for antimony, a key ingredient in the metal used for moveable type.
If you're interested in the history of Printers' Marks, more information can be found here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/25663/25663-h/25663-h.htm
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