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.
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.
