This achromatic telescope is typical of the type used on board ship for general observations. It has a tapering barrel covered with leather, a single brass draw tube and brass fittings that include a sliding eyepiece cover and an objective lens cap. The maker's name is inscribed on the draw tube as 'J & W WATKINS / Charing Cross, LONDON' beneath the name 'EDMUND NUGENT', perhaps referring to a retailer or owner. A label with the telescope records that it was believed to have been the property of Lord Nelson, but this has not been confirmed.