John Herschel discovered NGC 3799 = h934 = h3355 on 21 Apr 1832, while observing NGC 3800 = H II-103. He noted "F; E nf to sp; has another F neb [NGC 3799] attached to its preceding extremity." In a later sweep, he called it "an appendage to II 103 NGC 3800], which it precedes." WH, in his observation of NGC 3800, noted "2 or 3 stars visible in it." One of these "stars" may refer to NGC 3799.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, round. Forms a striking pair located just off the southwest end of NGC 3800 1.4' from center. A mag 12 star is 1.1' directly south, and a brighter mag 10.5 star is 2.9' SE.

900/1200mm - 48" (3/1/19): NGC 3799 is the small and fainter southwest member of an interacting pair (Arp 83 = VV 350) with NGC 3800 1.5' NE. At 488x it appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, ~0.6'x0.25', relatively large bright core. A low surface brightness spiral arm was seen attached at the SE end. It extended a short distance to the east, separated from the main body and dimmed out. The initial part of the NW arm extending W was also visible though had a low contrast. A mag 12.7 star is 1' S.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb