William Herschel discovered NGC 1418 = H II-456 = h307, along with NGC 1417 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and recorded, "Two. The preceding NGC 1417] F, S, E, lbM. The following [NGC 1418] eF, vS, E, hardly to be seen but 240 verified it; about 6 or 7' south following the first." His position was 2.6' too far NE, but the identification is certain. John Herschel had problems with his observation, and his description for 30 Dec 1826 applies to NGC 1417!

300/350mm - 13.1" (12/7/85): faint, small, oval ~N-S. A mag 12 star is 1' S. Third of three in a group.

400/500mm - 17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, almost even surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is 1.4' S. Forms a pair with NGC 1417 4.9' WNW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb