John Herschel discovered NGC 1165 = h2503 on 19 Oct 1835 and noted "vF, pmE, vlbM, 60" long, 30" broad." His position and description matches E417-008 = PGC 11270.

400/500mm - 17.5" (12/9/01): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0', irregular surface brightness. The brighter core appeared double at moments (faint star superimposed?). The outer halo is very diffuse.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb