Again, sorry for going OT, but this is what IGC has on Sumner:
Name William Sumners
Other Names W Sumners & Son
Address1 219 Oliver Street, Birkenhead
Address2 48 Oldhall Street
Address3 48 & 50 Oldhall Street
City/Town Liverpool
County Lancashire
Country United Kingdom
Trade Gunmaker
Dates 1858-1890?
Notes
William Sumners (b.1826 in Liverpool) is known to have worked for Williams & Powell, he may have been apprenticed to them. He was recorded in the 1841 census as a 15 year old apprentice gun maker living with his parents, John (b.1781 a furniture broker) and Mary (b.1793) Sumners, and his twin sister. William left Williams & Powell in 1858 to establish his own business at 219 Oliver Street, Birkenhead. He was recorded in the 1861 census living at 219 Oliver Street with his wife, Mary J (b.1829) and three daughters, Helen (b.1853), Mary (b.1855) and Kate (b.1857).
He was recorded at this address up to 1860. He does not seem to have been recorded in the 1871 census. In about 1875 he was recorded at 48 Oldhall Street. In the 1881 census he was recorded at this address. Another son and daughter had been born, John in 1862 and Blanch in 1866, but between 1866 and 1881 his first wife, Mary J had died and he had married Jane (b.1831 in Whitehaven). In this census he described himself as a master gunmaker and William Jnr, aged 21, as a gun maker. In about 1883 the firm's address became 48 & 50 Old Hall Street and at about this time he made his son a partner in the business which was re-named William Sumners & Son. The firm appear to have closed in about 1890.
I have two trade label versions. If you'd like me to send you copies, please send me a PM with your email address and I shall oblige.
Tim
