John Herschel discovered NGC 6877 = h3818 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; eS; the 3rd of a group of 4." On a second observation, he noted "vF; vS; R."

400/500mm - 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this Pavo-I Group member is located just 1.5' E of the brightest member, NGC 6876, and is just outside the halo. At 171x it appeared faint, very small, oval N-S, 0.3'x0.15'. NGC 6880/IC 4981 lies 4.4' following.

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.7'x0.5'. Forms a close pair with NGC 6876 to the west. A close equal mag double star follows by 1'.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb