William Herschel discovered NGC 7537 = H II-429 = h2215 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427), along with NGC 7541, and recorded "Two, the time and polar distance is that of the largest NGC 7541]; pB, mE about 4' l; extended mbM about 1' broad, the extent nearly in the parallel. The other [NGC 7537] is vF, cS, about 3 or 4' sp the large one; and but for the large one might have been overlooked." JH reported (sweep 95), "F; S; R; bM; the sp of 2 [with NGC 7541]."

300/350mm - 13.1" (9/3/83): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, thin extensions, slightly brighter core, 3' SW of brighter and larger NGC 7541.

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/10/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.5', much brighter core has a fairly high surface brightness, narrow faint extensions from core. Forms a striking (physical) pair with NGC 7541 3.1' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb