William Herschel discovered NGC 3769 = H II-731 = h925 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and reported "F, S, E from sp to np." JH made two observations, recording on sweep 330 "'B; mE; gbM; 60" l, 30" br."

Neither Herschel noticed the faint companion NGC 3769A at the southeast end, which was observed at Birr Castle. On 9 Apr 1852, Bindon Stoney recorded "gbM, a F appendage of 2nd neb." On 17 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged "The appendage looks like an independent nebula. Lord Rosse thought the B ray resolvable." On 12 Apr 1861, Samuel Hunter also noted "Two, probably connected." A sketch shows the companion at the correct orientation. But surprisingly, neither JH nor Dreyer added this second galaxy to the GC or NGC. Kobold measured an accurate position in 1902 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5x0.8', weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 2.2' NE of center. A very close companion NGC 3769A = CGCG 242-066, which appeared very faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, low surface brightness, is 56" SE of center.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb