It's a bit surprising to me that none of the later visual observers (after William Herschel) who might have taken a look resolved the pair. In any case, it wasn't reported so we're left with a...
Here is my observation with Jimi:
At 610x, I was able to easily detect both NGC galaxies. The tidal stream going northwest was a vague sensation and for some reason seemed much brighter around due...
I can contribute a sketch through the 27-inch. Under soso transparency but good seeing some structures could be resolved but not tidal streamers were visible.
sketch: 27" 586x, NELM 6m5+, Seeing...
Nice object.
As I told Dragan that I'm compiling all of my 2007 to 2019 observations from my notebook to spreadsheet, I ran across my notes for this object.
I'll eventually upload the notes...