Birdseye Maple and Cherry shop built chest by William Standish (1820-1890) of St. Joachim, Shefford County, for his son James, to hold his award winning maple sugar butter. Heavy duty, with hinged friction fit lid, brass flat mount lifts, roundhead screw studding, three lift out slatted spruce trays. 10 3/4" x 12 1/2" x 17 3/4", immaculately clean unfinished interior. Card inside reads: "This chest was made as a present for James Standish (1857-1945). It was made to be used as he went with his family to various farming competitons in Quebec during the last quarter of the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th. Their's was a first class mixed farm, with livestock and crops. They, of course made their own butter and this chest was used to display ribbon winning 2 pound blocks. James's father William (1820-1890) used the birdseye maple from his property located outside St. Joachim, Shefford County in what is now Quebec. He was an accomplished cabinet maker and it was his custom to make pieces for special occasions. This chest was probably made for James 13th or 16th birthday".