The barrel of this achromatic telescope is covered in pigskin. The single draw tube and other fittings are made of brass and include an objective lens cap and a pivoted eyepiece cover. There are also two loops on the barrel, presumably to hold a carrying strap. The maker's name is engraved on the draw tube as ‘Dollond / London’.

This type of telescope was commonly used on board ship in the 19th century for general observations such as sighting signals or keeping watch.