Exterior
The Jarndyke Ark is made of steel, and like other Arks found in North America, appears similar to military-issue cases. Once opened the Ark separates into two non-hinged pieces. The Ark shows signs of wear; this may be due to unknown actions, or simply to its burial and removal.

Telos Insert
The insert is inserted through the wall of the Ark into the Telos box within. Once screwed into the Ark, a rubber O-ring around the insert forms a water- and airtight seal. Scholars believe the orange blinking light at the end of the insert may serve as confirmation that the Telos box is active, or act as a beacon of sorts. Save the periods when it is removed from the Ark, the light has not dimmed in the 20-plus years since the Ark’s discovery.

Clasps
The Ark is closed with six steel clasps. A rubber gasket lining the rim of the Ark’s interior provides for a water- and airtight seal once the clasps are fastened.

Warning Sign
The sign riveted to the case warns against unauthorized usage. This seemingly public-facing message has led scholars to hypothesize that while the case may have been intended to house government-restricted materials, they may not have been of a secret/sensitive nature – including the Telos box. Whether or not the Jarndyke effects were intentionally or unintentionally stored in the Ark remains a subject of intense debate.

Damage
The steel sign riveted to the case sustained damage at one point that has gouged away its enamel coating.