Isaac Roberts discovered IC 1727 photographically on 29 Nov 1896 with his 20" reflector from his Starfield Observatory in England. He reported (AN 3429) "It is nearly as large as NGC 672 and distant from centre to centre 8' only; nucleus consists of 6 faint stellar condensations forming a straight line in the direction south following to north preceding and there are 6 or 7 very faint condensations of nebulosity near the preceding margin; 15th mag star on the north preceding margin and a 16th mag star at the south following end of the nucleus." Roberts was very amazed that this galaxy was missed by WH, JH and at Birr Castle (7 observations of NGC 672) and he felt this object must have "come into the state of visibility during the past half century."

300/350mm - 13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, moderately large, diffuse, ill-defined, elongated NNW-SSE, no central condensation. Forms a pair with NGC 672 8' NE.

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE. Very low surface brightness with no distinct edges or core. Located 8' SW of NGC 672.

600/800mm - 24" (12/28/13): fairly faint, very large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, low surface brightness, ~2.5'x0.8' though the outer halo fades into the background gradually so the dimensions are difficult to estimate. Contains a slightly brighter "bar" that is extended 4:1 or 5:1 NW-SE, ~45"x10". The halo is more extensive NW of this bar, so the appearance is asymmetric. NGC 672 lies 8' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb