Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2496 = Sw. III-38 on 15 Nov 1885 (along NGC 2491) using the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF, pS, R, lbM, * close foll, nf of 2". His position matches UGC 4127 = PGC 22359, although the "* close foll" probably refers is a mag 14 star 35" preceding the center.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 30" W. Forms a pair with NGC 2491 4' SW (not seen).

600/800mm - 24" (1/31/14): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, fairly high surface brightness, gradually increases to the center but no distinct nucleus or zones. A mag 14 star is 35" W of center. NGC 2491 lies 3.7' SW.

24" (1/25/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~25"x18", weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 33" W of center and a mag 11 star is 2' S.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb