Stephane Javelle discovered IC 4612 = J. 3-1398, along with IC 4610 and 4611 on 25 Jul 1903. The IC position matches CGCG 224-072 = PGC 58505, but modern catalogues misidentify this galaxy as IC 4610 (MCG, RC3) or IC 4610 = IC 4612 (PGC).

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/21/98): brightest in a trio with IC 4610 and IC 4611. Appears faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. Forms the southern vertex of a small equilateral triangle with a mag 13 star 1.0' NNW and a mag 14 star 1.0' NE. IC 4610 lies 2.0' WSW and IC 4611 is 4.9' SSW. This group is located one degree east of the core of AGC 2199 (NGC 6166) and is referenced in NED.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb