What a rare treat this carved lighthouse or obelisk shape desk thermometer is!! Thanks to a helpful etsier I found this is carved anthracite coal. . Notice the difference in the shine and where the part that is duller and not polished. This measures 5 1/2" tall and is obelisk or phallic in form with an acorn at the top. From what I was told when we got it many moons ago, it was made as a remembrance to the memorial The 79th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment Monument. . The acorn on the base of the original statue is the symbol of the 14th Army Corps, commanded by Major General George H. Thomas. That statue represents the saving of the Colors by Sergeant William F. Dostman of Company H, on September 19, 1863, the first day of the battle. Ad of course the acorn is a symbol of potential, life, fertility and immortality. Unusual folklore tales tell of a farmer who tries to outwit Satan, to whom he has promised his soul, by asking for a reprieve until his first crop is harvested; he plants acorns and has many years to enjoy first. In Britain, one old tradition has it that if a woman carries an acorn on her person it will delay the aging process and keep her forever young. AH! Then this antique desk piece will be a real ASSET to anyone in that case!! This has a few small chips and or places that were not carved all the way. The detailing on it is gorgeous and once you see this in person you can really appreciate the carver!. On the bottom it has its original tag which reads: John C Madden, Stationery Office supplies and blank books, Wholesale and retail.59 public sq. Wilkes-barr PA. This store is not in existence anymore. IF you look at old postcards from 1911 you will see small shops with awnings in the public square. Maybe this was one of them? The glass on the thermometer is missing the top ( about 1/3") and is non working.