04/06/2026
From My "About Us" Page- Catch up with my story here! 🥰
FAQ's:
Why "Federalist Pens"??
FL- "Federalist Pens" is named after my love of history. As a former HS History teacher, fan of "Hamilton", and based in the historical area of Philadelphia, I wanted a name that would signify that feeling of writing with fountain pens/vintage writing instruments/etc.. That is all it means. It has no political reference nor intentions.
Who are you?
FL- I have been in “The Hobby” for many years. I have been collecting pens most of my life (Father always liked/still likes BP/RB Pens), and I got into Fountain Pens about 20 years ago when I was still teaching History in public schools. I went to many pen shows in the Eastern US- met dealers and vendors, and amassed my own collection. I began selling vintage pens on Pen Forums, Ebay, and had a table at my home show (Philly Pen Show). Around 2014, I came up with the idea of becoming a retailer. I had already sold vintage fountain pens for a while, and I had other trade show experience (I also collect other items, and have sold items as a hobbyist since my teenage years).
I use fountain pens daily. I still tutor students from time to time, and I do a lot of writing. Most of my own collection (+/-300 Pens) consists of vintage fountain pens. I like all kinds of pens for a variety of reasons. I like many different brands- modern would include Pelikan, Visconti, Pilot, Lamy, among others. My favourite vintage brands include Wahl-Eversharp, Esterbrook, and Sheaffer- the majority of my vintage items (that I have decided to keep) are from these brands.
You started as a fountain pen collector/hobbyist, and transistioned to a FT Dealer.. How/Why?
FL- It takes a lot of time, effort and research to become a retailer. In the US, there are a lot of requirements to accomplish this endeavour. If you decide to buy/sell pens- Start small, and grow as your customer base grows! If you sell what you love/like using, you can be successful!
You are well-known in India for fountain pens. How did you get started? What Indian fountain pen brands do you represent?
FL- I am very proud of my presence in the world of Indian Pens. Click and Epitome are my latest Indian brands. I was also the first US Dealer for Magna Carta Pens. I was also the first US Dealers for Ayush Paper, and Endless Journals (Tomoe River 68gsm Journals). I have been very successful with products and vendors from India. Endless Works takes their famous “Brooch” Bookmarks, and engraves my store info on them- I give these away as “Bonus” items with an Endless Journal Purchase!
Obviously, you are open to new brands and collaborations…
FL- It is what seperates me from many of my fellow dealers! I am very active with my local pen groups, and the Seasonal Store at my local mall is a big hit during the holidays! I am also the host (Hub master) of the Annual Pelikan Pen Hub(as the official Philly Metro Pelikan Pens Dealer).
I have always been open to new products, and the ability to work with independent makers. I am always willing to "take a chance" on a product I would use!!
I was also Robert Oster Signature Inks (ROS Inks) first US Dealer (“Frankly” Ink Colours celebrate this Anniversary!). Not all of my collaborations have been this successful, but I am pleased to say that most of my projects and collaborations have been a success!
Any other details/information to share?
FL: You can also join my Facebook Community Page-
"The Fountain Pen Community" (TFPC) was an old pen forum that I used to run/Administrator. It has a lot iof great information regarding vintage fountain pens.
The site is accessible (but inactive to keep operating costs low), but this Facebook Forum keeps the spirit and membership alive for the pen community! You can also reach us at [email protected]!
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