John Herschel discovered NGC 1481 = h2593 on 13 Nov 1835 and described "eF, S, R, precedes two bright stars and the nebula III.962 [NGC 1482].". His single position is 2' S of ESO 549-032 = PGC 14079 and the description applies perfectly.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness. Located 2.5' NW of mag 8.7 SAO 168936. Continuing on this line is NGC 1482 5' SSE.

600/800mm - 24" (12/1/13): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 30"x20", broad concentration. Fainter of a pair with NGC 1482 5.0' SE. Between the two galaxies is mag 8.6 HD 24672 and a mag 12.5 star is less than 1' SE. ESO 549-035 lies 8.6' ENE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb