John Herschel discovered NGC 1256 = h2516 on 13 Nov 1835, calling it "F, S, almost stellar, but E, has a * 8 preceding 7.5', 2' N." His position and description (the star is mag 9.3 HD 20129) matches ESO 547-023 = PGC 12032.

400/500mm - 17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak even concentration to a small brighter core. A mag 15 star lies 1.1' N. Located 6.5' ESE of mag 9 SAO 168391. In same field with NGC 1258 13' NNE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb