William Herschel discovered NGC 1153 = H II-274 = h276 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and logged "F, vS, iE, easily resolvable." His position is 3.5' southeast of UGC 2439 = PGC 11230. John Herschel made a single observation on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 95) and noted "F S; R; sbM; 12" diameter."

Four observations were made at Birr Castle. On 7 Dec 1857, R.J. Mitchell recorded "F, vS, R, a S* close preceding." The mag 14.5 star is mentioned in my observation.

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/7/89): fairly faint, small, very small bright core, slightly elongated SW-NE, small halo. A mag 14.5 star is superimposed 20" S of center.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb