"lead-pipe cinch" antedated to 1888

[Stephen Goranson]

New-York tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, October 04, 1888, Image 4  p.4 col. 1
BLUE WING DOWN AGAIN.
EASILY BEATEN BY....
....In his third race, when intrusted with thousands of dollars by his stable and the public
and looked upon as a "lead-pipe cinch" of the best manufacture, tested and warranted in every manner,
his dickey leg gives way and the faithful are left to mourn.

Stephen Goranson
http://www.duke.edu/~goranson

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1888-10-04/ed-1/seq-4/;words=pipe+cinch+lead

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