?douard Stephan discovered NGC 1613 = St XI-32 (along with NGC 1612 = St XI-31) on 21 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches MCG -01-12-031 = PGC 15518.

This galaxy was probably discovered earlier by WH in his observation of NGC 1611 = H III-586, commenting "another suspected 3' S.f., stellar." This would apply to NGC 1613 if south-following was replaced with north-following.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a trio with NGC 1611 5' WSW and NGC 1612 6.5' NNW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb