This is an achromatic telescope of the type used on board ship for general observations. It has a wooden barrel and three brass draw tubes that allow it to be folded up small enough to fit in a pocket. The other brass fittings include an objective lens cap and a pivoted eyepiece cover.

The maker's name is inscribed on the smallest draw tube as 'Ramsden / London’. This is the firm set up by Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800), one of London's leading instrument makers.