Albert Marth discovered NGC 6485 = m 354 = St II-17 on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R." Édouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy on 15 Jul 1871. His micrometric position is very accurate. Both observers are recognized in the NGC.

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, diffuse halo. Situated in a rich star field.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb