As right as Ninepence ?

[BRAVO1]

Where does this saying come from ?

[New Judge]

I believe it is a corruption of "as right as ninepins" (the old form of skittles).

Quizmonster will be along soon to put us right.

[Octavius]

The earliest known recorded form of the phrase is 'as neat as ninepence'. The first citation of that is in James Howell's English Proverbs, 1659:

"As fine as fippence, as neat as nine pence."

fippence being a five pence.

[Buenchico]

This link basically provides the same information as NJ's post but it also explains (with the reference to 'exactitude') why nine pins might be considered to be 'right':
http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/43/me ssages/506.html

Chris

[Quizmonster]

Thanks for your expression of confidence in me, New Judge, but clearly I was utterly unnecessary! Cheers