N. M. Parrish discovered IC 1496 = LM(S) 863 = Sw. X-54 on 9 Oct 1890 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His micrometric position is accurate. Edward Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 17 Oct 1891, along with IC 1492, and recorded "eeF, pS, R, nf of 2 [with IC 1492]. Swift is credited with the discovery in the IC.

600/800mm - 24" (11/24/14): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, fairly well concentrated with a bright 20" core. The halo increases the size to 0.6'x0.5'. Forms a pair with IC 1492 7.8' SSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb