Calling all antiquarians!

[Duer 157099]

7. Yep, I agree that makes sense

However... here is a use of the phrase in a 1898 novel:

"Holy jacks, if you don't stop that I'll give you a coffin before your time, you keg of nails!"

although the original was:

"Support d'en haut, if you don't stop that I'll give you a coffin before your time, keg of nails--you."

So... apparently it was used as some sort of insult too. Maybe like calling someone a drunk?

In fact, nails were sold in kegs, so at some point the phrase was actually literal. That's why I was asking for the actual quote that you read, wondering if there are more clues?

But thanks, fun to solve these kinds of mysteries!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Battle_of_the_Strong

http://books.google.com/books?id=KSBAAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA280&lpg=PA280&dq=keg+of+nails+coffin&source=bl&ots=kf9tDBFQNM&sig=eAcPEEUBoSIPOKjqva6Ln0L3OWc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Y83rU72LCYf1oAT_qoDwAw&ved=0CDMQ6AEwCQ