James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 1863 = D 173 on 5 Sep 1826 and recorded a "small faint nebula, 12" diameter." He made a single observation and his position is 12' ENE of the cluster. This easily falls within the range of his rough positions although NGC 1860 and NGC 1865 are nearby and also possible candidates. JH independently discovered NGC 1863 = h2791 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B; vS; R; 20"." On a second sweep he added "resolvable, 15", has a small star very near the edge." His position (recorded on 5 sweeps) is accurate.

600/800mm - 24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC globular appeared very bright, moderately large, irregular outline, ~40" diameter, high surface brightness. A faint star or clump is at the NE edge. Forms a pair with NGC 1865, located 5' SE. The remarkable field containing NGC 1850 (brightest cluster in the LMC), NGC 1855 and 1858 lies 15' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb