Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5274 = St XII-51 on 25 May 1881. His position is accurate.

400/500mm - 17.5" (6/7/97): very faint, very small, round, 25" diameter. Observation confused by a couple of nearby mag 15 stars or compact companions. Forms a similar close pair with NGC 5275 1.4' S, although the overall surface brightness of NGC 5274 is lower.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb