John Herschel discovered NGC 5686 = h1845 on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF; vS. The following of 2 [with NGC 5684]." His position is very accurate.
400/500mm - 17.5" (6/21/93): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, broad concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 5684 3.5' NW.
Notes by Steve Gottlieb