Walking stick telescopes like this were made as gentlemen's fashion accessories rather than as serious observing instruments. This example has an achromatic telescope with a single brass draw tube fitted into it. The telescope also has a brass screw-on cap for the objective end, which also acts as the top of the walking stick.

Both the telescope barrel and the rest of the stick are covered with black leather to resemble Irish Blackthorn. Two brass-collared holes near the top would have allowed a carrying loop to be attached.

The telescope maker's name is engraved on the draw tube: 'Thos Harris & Sons, / Opticians to the Royal Family / No. 52. Opposite the British Museum / London.'