William Herschel discovered NGC 3658 = H IV-59 = h877 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) and recorded "cB, S, R, BN, the nucleus considerably well defined, and the chevelure vF." His position (CH's reduction) is 1' northwest of UGC 6409. JH made two observations and only measured one position, which was poor, but noted "Nothing remarkable in its character to place it in the 4th class."

400/500mm - 18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, small bright core, symmetrical appearance. Located 15' SW of NGC 3665 and 9' SE of mag 9 SAO 62530.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb