This is what IGC has on the firm, just a couple more facts to add to Roy's post:

Given Names

First name/s: Joseph Thomas

Surname: Roberts


First Address: Back of 39 Lower Loveday Street

City/Town: Birmingham

Other Addresses:

Back of 26 Weaman Street

Back of 26 Weaman Street & 5 Steelhouse Lane

22 Weaman Street & 5 Steelhouse Lane

22 Weaman Street & 141 Steelhouse Lane

22 Weaman Street

22b Bath Street

Trade: Gunmaker

Dates: 1871-1936?

Notes:

Joseph Thomas Roberts probably established his business in 1871, but it was first recorded in 1873 at Back of 39 Lower Loveday Street, Birmingham. In 1884 he moved to Back of 26 Weaman Street, he had additional premises at 5 Steelhouse Lane. In about 1901 he moved to 22 Weaman Street which appear to have been his workshops, but kept the 5 Steelhouse Lane premises which appear to have been his offices and showroom.

Joseph Roberts retired or died in about 1902 and his son Edgar was recorded at 22 Weaman Street and 141 Steelhouse Lane from 1903 to 1923, and at 22 Weaman Street only in 1924. At some time between 1925 and 1928 Edgar moved to 22b Bath Street where he traded up to about 1936.

Other:

As Edgar Roberts, the firm sold cartridges under the names the "Forward" (post 1900) and the "Reliance".

Two books to look out for. 'Birmingham Gunmakers by Doug Tate, published by Safari Press, and 'The Birmingham Gun Trade' by David Williams, published by The History Press.

Tim