William Herschel discovered NGC 7223 = H III-862 = h2151 on 8 Nov 1790 (sweep 977) and recorded "eF, pL, iR, r. 300 showed it very plainly." JH made the single observation "eF; S; E; among 3 stars, with which however it seems not connected."

300/350mm - 13.1" (8/17/85): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated N-S. Extends from a star on the south end in a fan-shape. A faint star is off the north end. A knot is suspected just west of the star at the north end (probably an anonymous companion).

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/1/86): moderately bright, fairly diffuse, slightly elongated ~N-S. There are two stars to the south including one at the south edge.

Forms a close pair with Holm 788B = PGC 214803 1.0' NW. The companion appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated. It's situated west of a star off the north side of NGC 7223. Also UGC 11927, located 8' WSW, appeared faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, very diffuse.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb