An early 19th century Portuguese Colonial unmarked silver inkstand or standish, probably Brazil circa 1806 Of elongated octagonal form, raised upon four scroll feet. The top fitted with five compartments, three cylindrical with two pull off domed lids. Engraved around the edge in Roman script “He Dair mand ade de nossa senhora do livra mentto da villa dorecefe sendo juis Oscar c ento mor juis Pedro De Melio anno dem DCCC VI”. Bright cut engraved swags surrounding the text. Length – 27.2 cm / 10.65 inches Weight – 1395 grams / 44.85 ozt The translation is approximately “He Dair sent by our lady from the free book of the villa to be judges Oscar and then judges Pedro De Melio anno dem DCCC VI”