This achromatic telescope has a barrel covered in dyed rayskin (shagreen, now split) and ten brass draw tubes. The brass fittings include an objective lens cap. The original mahogany box also survives and contains three additional eyepieces of different magnifying powers.

An inscription on the smallest draw tube reads: 'ADAMS'S / New Patent Portable Telescope / No. 60 Fleet Strt. LONDON'. This refers to a patent obtained on 30 May 1800 by Dudley Adams (1762-1830), one of the leading London instrument makers at this time. Adams's patent included a new form of spring fitted inside the draw tubes to keep them steady when drawn out. This allowed more draw tubes to be used, reducing the overall length of the telescope when closed.