William Herschel discovered NGC 4957 = H II-397 = h1526 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S." JH measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, smooth surface brightness. Situated between a mag 12.5 star 2.2' NW and a mag 14 star 1.9' SE. Member of AGC 1656.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb