George Feder;
There has been speculation that there were 2 gunsmiths (father and son) I am not sure, however the earlier rifles were signed in script parallel with this example. The later examples that I have seen are all stamped (on the barrel) G Feder with an abundant amount of engraving similar in fashion to M. Fordneys work. All of the barrels have been stamped either W Pannabecker or J Pannabecker, I don't think this pinpoints an exact location but solid evidence along with several architectural features hint to some Berks Co. exposure. The rifle I mentioned that I previously owned was stamped W Pannabecker, although it has the exact same architecture as this auction rifle, the patch box had the flavor of Peter Angstadt with the Fordney style engraving on the barrel and side plate. The engraving on the patch box appeared to be of a less heavy and more capable hand. It appears (my opinion only) that this man or these men worked between Angstadt, Fordney, and the Pannabeckers i.e. the Lancaster / Berks Co schools. Its a shame the condition of the rifle, If I had the extra money for the rifle and the money to restore it I would jump at this one and send it right over to you John. I have not seen many examples of this era, meaning the script signed, carved Feders. I am not entirely sold on the father son idea, I think he was a later Golden Age maker, around 1815 to 1820 and on into the percussion era. I remember reading Kindig had 5 of them in his inventory, maybe Henry has some knowledge as to the origins of this maker.
Buck
