Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2851 =Sw III-43 on 27 Feb 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; vE; 1829 [NGC 2848], R. nova [NGC 2846] and 1828 [NGC 2847] in field west. Did not see 1819 [NGC 2837] east of 1829." His position is 1' south of MCG -03-24-008 = PGC 26422.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE. Forms a pair with NGC 2848 5.5' WSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb