The first authentic use of 73 is in the publication The National Telegraphic
Review and Operators' Guide, first published in April 1857. Keep in mind it
started with telegraphic code use. Number codes were used by telegraphers
for common phrases.
These abbreviations were used in a manner similar to Q signals today.

Here's a partial list of old telegraphic number abbreviations: 1 – Wait 2 -
Important business 3 - What is the time? 6 - I am ready 7 - Are you ready?
12 - Do you understand? 13 - I understand 14 - What is the weather? 17 -
Lightning here 19 - Form 19 train order (used by RR) 21 - Stop to eat 23 -
All copy 24 - Repeat this back 30 - No more, end 31 - Form 31 train order
(used by RR) 44 - Answer promptly by wire 73 - Best regards 88 - Love and
kisses 92 - Deliver promptly 134 - Who is at the key?

For the History of 73 see URL:
http://ac6v.com/73.htm#73

It then becomes apparent that it is 73 NOT 73's, but many say 73's and
everyone knows what is meant.

HANDLE has been used by Hams for many many years (more recently by CBers) --
See
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/thesaurus
And see that handle is synonymous with NAME and NICKNAME
Maybe from the old west -- Whatts yore handle podner ???
But on VHF -- many advise -- talk like you talk on a telephone -- NAME HERE
IS
But since so many hams use handle -- it is an accepted ham jargon term.

As is lots of others -- brick, bird, bug, cans, twisted pair, roger,
wallpaper, uncle Charlie, wilco, and lots more at URL:
http://ac6v.com/jargon.htm

The FIRST PERSONAL is a recent invasion on the Ham bands and comes from CB
Radio. Makes old time Hams shudder.

All told -- various disciplines have their own jargon and it is best to be
familiar with them and don't fight it -- you won't change it for sure.


--
73 From The Wilderness Keyboard