Albert Marth discovered NGC 7147 = m 457, along with NGC 7146, on 11 Aug 1863 and simply noted "vF". His position is accurate. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 15 Sep 1865. He noted it as slightly elongated and that a mag 10 or 11 star preceded by 10.7 seconds of RA (and a little south).

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/1/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 7146 4.3' SW. Located 14' S of NGC 7149.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb