William Herschel discovered NGC 1207 = H III-578 = h284 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and noted "vF, vS." In Oct 1828 (sweep 188) John Herschel wrote, "F; vS; R; psbM; 12" diameter." The superimposed star was mentioned at Birr Castle: "I am not sure whether it is a star or a nucleus in the north-preceding end."

Lewis Swift made a rediscovery in October 1884, according to Gary Kronk, though didn't publish it in one of his twelve lists.

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo. A mag 15 star is attached at northwest end. NGC 1213 lies 20' NE.

600/800mm - 24" (2/7/16): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.4'. A mag 14.5-15 star is superimposed on the northwest side. CGCG 524-054 lies 5.7' W and was noted as fairly faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1' NNW. NGC 1207 is situated in a rich star field with mag 8.6 SAO 56192 5.7' ESE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb