Third Doctor's / Jon Pertwee's Tattoo

[warmcanofcoke]

Before we even knew of the Corsair [The Doctor's Wife - Series Six 2011], The Doctor had a tattoo of his own. As a Child I was fascinated by it and if there had been a clear picture of it, I probably would of had sought out a Tattoo Artist when I was old enough to get a Tattoo.

From Jon Pertwee's Autobiography Moon Boots and Dinner Suits, I know that the Crew of the HMS hood saved up their grog rations for a birthday party for Jon. Jon was in no fit state after the party and his crew-mates hid him from view for a few days. (Taking on his duties so that there was no evidence.) When Jon Awoke there was a toilet paper bandage around his forearm. He'd been Tattooed. I understand the Snake displays his tongue in the form of a "C" for Carlotta (A woman Jon was seeing at the time.)

My personal Fan-Theory is that the Tattoo was placed there by the Time Lords - a prison Tattoo - a warning to other Time Lords and part of the mechanism that imposes the block on the Doctor's knowledge of how to operate the Tardis. [*Not Canon]

I only have the DVDs so if the blu-ray of Spearhead From Space provides better detail Please upload a few screen captures. 

Spearhead From Space 1970 Season 7 Story 51






Doctor Who and the Silurians 1970 Season 7 Story 52






Bonus The Mind of Evil 1971 Season 8 Story 56 DVD Extra : Photo Gallery

[Angelus Lupus]

I've never seen it that clearly before... I love that it can be interpreted as a ? as well as a snake. I wonder if they ever thought about covering it up at the time? Did they think it would even be visible on 70's TV screens?

[Cardinal Hordriss]

If I were the director I would have had the make-up artist cover it but I've heard the theory it's a Time Lord brand indicating criminality, might have worked as a source of resentment or shame for the Doctor had it been explained on screen.

[Davros Skaro]

If I were the director I would have had the make-up artist cover it but I've heard the theory it's a Time Lord brand indicating criminality, might have worked as a source of resentment or shame for the Doctor had it been explained on screen.

Tattoos don't always have to mean "criminal", it could mean rank or position of authority!
I kind of like it that they left it to be seen, gives him character, rather than just being "squeaky clean" if you know what I mean.
If you noticed, Martha actually has tattoos & they didn't cover hers up either. On her right upper arm. Probably to hard & it could easily be rubbed off accidentally & they don't want to have to cut & touch up every time that happens.

Chris.

P.S. I think I look at things too logically sometimes so forgive me.

[Cardinal Hordriss]

I have tattoos myself, I'm not saying they are innately criminal but in a novel somewhere it's explained as being a mark put on him by the Time Lords after his trial to indicate he is a criminal found guilty of breaking the law of non-interference.

I would cover it because with no explanation it seems odd he'd have a tattoo having only just regenerated, to be logical. Years later it would be established on screen that regeneration removes tattoos which is why the Corsair kept having theirs redone.

[warmcanofcoke]

Many of my friends have tattoos - all of them are cool and I have never felt less of my friends because of them. In the 1930s/40s the people of the time thought there was a stigma about them.

However If people have any images of this Tattoo up close and in detail I'd love to see them.

[Cardinal Hordriss]

I've found it in the TARDIS Data Core - the novel is called Christmas on a Rational Planet, the tattoo was put there by the Time Lords to signify that the Doctor was an exile.

[warmcanofcoke]

As they say : there are no new ideas under the sun.

[The14thDr]

I've been looking online and can't find any clearer images of the Third Doctor's tattoo.

However, I did find this, which looks very similar....



It's not 100% spot-on, but I reckon one of our members would be able to make the necessary modifications to the design.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Kind regards, The14thDr

[warmcanofcoke]

Doctor Who Magazine #241 (31st July 1996)
Out of the Tardis - Jon Pertwee interview




Scanned at 200 dpi

Still would love to see a clearer image*


*edit also found this in an image search:

[The14thDr]

Nice images warmcanofcoke!
Looking at the second image you posted, it appears that the design I found isn't as similar to the Third Doctor's tattoo as I'd originally thought.

Hopefully some clearer images will surface soon.
Kind regards, The14thDr

[warmcanofcoke]

Your spirit is always appreciated Man

[The14thDr]

"I am and always will be the optimist, the hoper of far-flung hopes and the dreamer of improblable dreams."

[warmcanofcoke]

Founds some stuff on the nets:

[Angelus Lupus]

That one of him in the hoodie looks almost Capaldi-ish