This unusual telescope was presented on 12 March 1861 to Admiral W.B. Hamilton for his services to the Lighthouse Commission. The barrel is made of ivory and is based on a design for a lighthouse by Robert Stephenson, the Scottish lighthouse builder who worked in the early 19th century. A figure can be seen in a doorway part of the way up the tube as lighthouses had high entrances to prevent water entering the building.

The 'light' at the top unscrews to reveal the telescope's eyepiece and the two draw tubes made of German silver. An inscription on one of the draw tubes records the presentation to Hamilton by his colleagues. A second inscription on the other draw tube names the maker: 'M. Pillischer, 88, New Bond Street, London'.