Len Kaltman, owner of Buckeye Pens of Liberty Township and photography contributor for City Lifestyle, received an unexpected order from the U.S. State Department last spring. His handcrafted pens were selected by the Office of the Chief of Protocol as gifts to foreign dignitaries around the world. Dignitary gifts from the U.S. State Department are given in the spirit of goodwill and honor to strengthen diplomatic relationships between governments.
“I was surprised and delighted that my pens were chosen for this honor,” Len says.
When the U.S. State Department first contacted Len, he thought it was a prank. The message indicated that since Vice President Vance was from Ohio, they wanted to incorporate Buckeye Pens into their diplomatic gifts.
“When the first email inquiry came in, I thought someone was playing a joke on me,” Len says. “When the second email came in, months later with the actual order, I was very excited!”
Buckeye Pens are turned on a lathe by Len in his Greater Cincinnati workshop. Made from the wood of an Ohio buckeye tree, the state tree of Ohio, no two of his handcrafted pens are exactly alike.
“Each of my pens is as unique as the 12 million proud Buckeyes of Ohio,” says Len. “I use buckeye burl exclusively for its unique grain and colors. Every piece is different, so every single pen is one of a kind.”
Gifts made from the buckeye tree date back to the presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison, when his supporters were reported to carve souvenirs out of the distinctive wood.
The patriotic styled pen selected to be given as gifts is one of dozens of Len’s custom designs. It features an American flag, bald eagle and the phrase “God Bless America” in antique brass and pewter. The executive pens are packaged in a wooden gift box engraved with the Vice Presidential seal and signature.
“It has impressive size and weight and the patriotic design elements are inspiring,” says Len.
The creative and entrepreneurial spirit of Ohio’s small businesses will travel the globe in the form of Buckeye Pens, its unique roots a centerpiece for international relations.
About Buckeye Pens
Buckeye Pens are individually handmade in the Greater Cincinnati woodshop of Len Kaltman. The custom pens make unique and memorable personal gifts for family and friends and are popular corporate gifts for employees and clients. To learn more, visit BuckeyePens.com.
“Each of my pens is as unique as the 12 million proud Buckeyes of Ohio.”