This small brass reflecting telescope uses a curved mirror rather than an objective lens to collect light and produce the observed image. The fittings include a focusing screw attached to the side of the barrel. The original sharkskin case survives, as does a brass cap that fits into the objective end of the barrel.

Reflecting telescopes were mostly used for astronomical observation. The design was first proposed by James Gregory (1638-75) in 1663 and Isaac Newton (1643-1727) created a working example in 1668. But it was not until the following century that James Short (1710-68) perfected the technique of grinding the mirrors required. He subsequently became the most successful London manufacturer of Gregorian telescopes, which were named after their original inventor.