Chevallier was one of the most famous and historically significant families of Parisian opticians and instrument makers of the 18th and 19th centuries. This brass two draw monocular is inscribed 'Vincent et C Chevallier Quai de l'Horloge, N° 69, à Paris', and was signed by the partnership of father Vincent and son Charles Chevallier, from their establishment in Paris, which they occupied and worked from together between 1829 and 1833, when Charles left to open his own business.

In addition around the eyepiece is the lettering 'S.G.D.G. / PAR BREVET D'INVENTION ET DE PERFECTIONNEMENT', translating to "By Patent of Invention and of Improvement," indicating the item was protected by a 19th century French patent. "S.G.D.G." stands for 'Sans Garantie Du Gouvernement' ("Without Government Guarantee"), meaning the state issued the patent without endorsing the invention's use or original design. Being low power would have been used as an early alternative to spectacles for both men and women alike for viewing the opera in 19th century France, it includes two gilt brass tubes, intelligently designed, one that is pulled to release and the eyepiece tube which twists to extend and close allowing for quick means to bring into sharp focus of approximately 3-5× magnification.

The brown band is free of any cracks or splits and the monocular measures 3 ¾" (95 mm) when extended and 2" (50 mm) when collapsed, with an objective lens diameter of 1 ⅜" (35 mm). It comes in a later added black card case with burgandy velvet lining and push fit lid for protection, it weighs just over 140 grams in its case.