A rectangular black-lacquered brass trough and a brass-framed roof-shaped cover. Two sides of the cover have clear glass panels, at an angle of 90 degrees.

Accompanying the instrument is a polished brass bottle with a threaded stopper for storing the mercury when the instrument is not in use.

The artificial horizon is contained in a fitted mahogany box, marked on the lid ‘[crown] Alfred 1861’, and containing a trade label for Elliott Brothers, 101 St. Martin’s Lane, London, successors to Watkins and Hill.

Belonged to Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (1844-1900), son of Queen Victoria, who had an active Naval career, became an Admiral of the Fleet, and in 1863 became Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The Elliott Brothers were at this address after 1873.