A typical telescope of the kind used in the 19th century for observation at sea. It is a refractor: that is, the observer views directly through the small eye-glass and larger objective lens. The draw-tube and fittings are brass and the barrel is covered with leather, decorated with a printed chart of signaling flags. It has a focal length of 28.5 in (72.4 cm) and an objective lens of 1.7 in (4.3 cm) diameter.

This telescope was originally owned by John Lort Stokes (1812-85), whose name is inscribed on the draw tube. Lort Stoke served as Assistant Surveyor on the 'Beagle', the ship that took Charles Darwin on his voyages around the world between 1831 and 1836. He subsequently took command of the Beagle and conducted surveys of the Australian coast.

The National Maritime Museum has many items formerly owned by Stokes, including NAV1669 and NAV1671.