The quintant has a diamond-pattern alloy frame with traces of black lacquer, and a wooden handle with a brass-lined threaded hole for a second handle or a stand. The pressure clamp and worm screw are located at the bottom of the index arm, with a worm screw and a white plastic micrometer drum on the back. The instrument has no shades. The round index glass is non-adjustable and the round horizon glass is moved by capped capstan screws.

Attached to the quintant is a non-adjustable threaded telescope bracket. The leather covered telescope is 89 mm in length with a large objective and an erect image. Two detached feet for screwing in the front of the frame are missing. Several unidentified parts are also missing.

The instrument has a chromed brass scale from -5° to 150° by 1°, measuring to 150°. Micrometer to 1 arcminute.

The quintant is contained in a square fitted wooden box, with a Husun certificate of examination in the lid, dated 3 November 1944. There is also a white plastic label for the Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty. The side of the box is marked ‘H [broad arrow] O 256’.