Six of one

[wmsickles@gmail.com]

What is the origin of the aphorism/idiom, "six of one, half dozen of another?" Thank you!

Mark

[Mangetout]

The meaning is pretty obvious - you're presented with a choice of two apparently different options that are in fact the same choice or outcome.

But you're asking about the origin. Phew... I couldn't find anything useful - this (http://www.answers.com/topic/six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other) page says 'first half of the 1800s', but that's not very much help.

It sounds to me like the sort of thing that might have its origins in music hall or Vaudeville.