William Herschel discovered NGC 2474 = H III-830 = h471 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and called it "cF, pS, bM." His observation probably refers to the brighter northeast component or both were seen but unresolved. On 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327), John Herschel logged "pF; E; or has a vS star sp and a large [bright] star nf. Also query if not vS star in centre." The comment "vS star sp" refers to the fainter southwest component."

JH's position (used in the NGC) matches the double system UGC 4114. But the number has been confused with the nearby planetary JE 1 (Jones-Emberson 1). This mix-up was resolved in Sky & Telescope, April 1981.

300/350mm - 13.1" (12/7/85): this is the SW member of a double galaxy with NGC 2475. Almost stellar, round, faint, NGC 2475 very close NE.

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, very small bright core. Forms a double galaxy with NGC 2475 just 21" NE of center. Located 2.6' SW of a mag 8.8 SAO 26594.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb