John Herschel discovered NGC 3273 = h3259 on 3 May 1834 and recorded "F; R; pslbM; 12". The 4th and last of a group." He was uncertain of the minute of time, which should be 10 22 48.7 (for 1830).

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core. Member of the Antlia Cluster (NGC 3257-3281) with NGC 3271 15' N. Located 19' E of NGC 3258.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb