William Herschel discovered NGC 7443 = H II-450 = h2197 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 450) and recorded "Two [with NGC 7444], both lE and about 1.5' from each other; they extend in different directions. The sweeping power showed but one, but 240 distinguished them both, and I saw them afterwards also both with the former power. Both vF, vS." JH made two observations and called it "F; R; psbM; rather the brighter of 2."

400/500mm - 17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core, high surface brightness. Forms a distinctive similar duo of elongated systems with NGC 7444 1.6' S. NGC 7450 is in the field 10' SE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb