Grimwade records two William Sumners. William Sumner I was apprenticed to Thomas Chawner, making him part of the Chawner company. His first mark was entered in partnership with Richard Crossley, in 1775. He entered his first mark on his own on 6^th April 1782 as a plate-worker. He entered several other marks, including marks as a spoon-maker, up to 1803.He is believed to have died by 18^th March 1807 when his wife Mary entered her first mark. There are two pairs of tongs with a curious "double dot" mark beside the hallmark, see the two pairs of tongs below dated 1786 - 1790.

Click here to see tongs by Richard Crossley.
Click here to see tongs by William Sumner I & Richard Crossley.