William Herschel discovered NGC 4264 = H II-140 = h1180 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two. The first [NGC 4261] is the largest. The 2nd [NGC 4264] very faint." John Herschel called the galaxy "pF; R; gbM; 30"." Henrich d'Arrest measured the position 6 times and noted the separation with[NGC 4261 was 13 seconds of time.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration. Located at the north edge of a large galaxy group and 3.4' NE of NGC 4261.

600/800mm - 24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, broad weak concentration. Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 4261 3.5' WSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb