These vintage lithographs show submarines made in the period 1898 to 1959. Numerous naval officers from many countries and experts from the Imperial War Museum, and National Maritime Museum in London were consulted during their creation.
Beginning in ancient times, humans sought to operate under the water.
The first military submarine was the Turtle (1775), a hand-powered device designed by the American David Bushnell for a single person.
In 1866, the Sub Marine Explorer was the first submarine to successfully dive, cruise underwater, and resurface under the control of the crew.
Submarine design then took off, and they were adopted by several navies.
Here are some lithographs showing the evolution of submarines for you to choose from. They are vintage prints, made in the early 1970s.