The Joseph Townsend family Samuel Malkin slip decorated charger dated 1726. The large plate has a dotted border surrounding three arched panels, the center one inscribed in raised press molded lettering Remember Lot's Wife Luke 17:32 1726, surmounted by an image of Lot's wife flanked by trumpeting angels and the makers initials SM in raised relief, 13 3/4" dia. The passage from Luke has Jesus stating Remember Lot's Wife. This reference is to the famous Biblical scene when angels met Lot at the gates to Sodom where they warned him of its impending destruction. The angels forcibly removed and again warned him saying save yourselves with all haste. Look not behind you.. Lot's wife looked back on Sodom and turned into a pillar of salt. The extensive notes and genealogy that accompany this plate suggest that it may be one of the earliest pieces of English tableware used in the colonies. According to family history, the original owner was Joseph Townsend, nephew of Richard Townsend who sailed to America on the Welcome, in the company of William Penn in 1682. An identical press molded plate resides in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge England. Provenance: Joseph Townsend, Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1684-1766; Hannah Townsend Sharples, 1718-1790; Ann Ryant Haines, 1759-1823; Abner Haines, 1794-1882; William Henry, 1845- (married Jane Piesey Sellers), 1844-1927; Mary Isabel Sellers, 1844-1927; Josephine Sellers Latch, 1916-; Josephine Sellers Latch sold the plate to Scott Vogan, August 1953 to Charles S. Vogan, to the present consignor. Information on provenance included with lot. Overall very good condition. No apparent damages or repairs.