Albert Marth discovered NGC 5197 = m 261, along with NGC 5192 and 5196, on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF". His position is good.
400/500mm - 17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, round. Member of the NGC 5183 group with NGC 5196 5' NNW and NGC 5202 10' E.
Notes by Steve Gottlieb