This hand-held telescope has seven draw tubes, allowing it to be folded up quite small and fitted into its black sharkskin case. The barrel is made of rayskin (shagreen) that has been dyed red, while the draw tubes and other fittings are made of brass, including a sliding eyepiece cover.

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' patent included a new form of spring fitted inside the draw tubes to keep them steady when extended. This allowed more draw tubes to be used, reducing the overall length of the telescope when closed.