This may be a one-of-a-kind Marshall-type compound microscope made by an amateur, possibly Italian, some time around the middle of the 18th century. John Marshall (1663–1725) improved on the Culpeper microscope by adding a screw focusing (Hevelius) mechanism and a strong pillar support. This microscope is similar in construction, but has several modifications from the original Marshall design. Notably the microscope body and sample stage is supported by two wooden pillars. This raises the sample holders to approximately 25cm above the desk. The total height of this microscope is approx 56cm. It also has a large illuminating mirror attached to the base. The original Marshall had no illuminating mirror. Thus, microscopes of the type shown here are essentially hybrids of the Culpeper and Marshall.

Focusing is accomplished by turning a brass rod screw behind the barrel. The barrel and draw-tube are made of wood and paper, the decorative covering being a dark green paper with red and dark green splotches. It has a two-pillar wood base, a wood-mounted mirror with brass support, and a dust cap of wood topped with an ivory knob. Ivory knobs also secure the two wood pillars to the stage. The optics of this microscope is the three-lens system typical of this era. There is a two-lens eyepiece, the field lens, and a single lens objective. This instrument has only one objective. It is removable and consists of a single convex lens.

The base plate supports an accessory drawer containing several tools for dissection. The various supports are held in place by ivory or hardwood screws.

Imaging using the only objective is poor, showing a resolution of approximately 1mm and magnification of about 10x.