The base and top of this cylindrical hanging lamp are made of filigreed metal with a curved handle and hook for hanging. The two metal pieces are connected by a tube of soft fabric that forms a collapsible lampshade.
The railroad lantern has a metal cage with a translucent glass globe inscribed "R. Parmelee, Nacogdoches, Texas." This type of lantern was used to relay signals and to inspect trains at night.