WWI British Naval Postcard “The Old and the New” HMS Victory and Submarine

This postcard is identified as a British First World War–era illustrated naval postcard published by Raphael Tuck & Sons, depicting a juxtaposition of historic and modern naval power. The scene shows HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, anchored in the background, contrasted with a surfaced early British submarine in the foreground, marked “No. 3,” with uniformed sailors standing on the deck. The caption printed at lower right reads “The Old and the New – Nelson’s Victory and the Latest Submarine,” clearly establishing the intended comparison between age-of-sail dominance and modern underwater warfare.

The card is printed in color using a fine halftone lithographic process typical of high-quality Tuck production. The palette is muted blues, greys, and browns, with careful attention to maritime detail, rigging, uniforms, and sea conditions. The reverse is a standard divided back marked “Tuck’s Post Card,” Series IV, with the Raphael Tuck & Sons royal warrant crest. A printed explanatory text describes HMS Victory as Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar in 1805 and emphasizes the contrast between her solid construction and the low, clean lines of the submarine as “the latest agent in modern naval warfare.” The card is printed in England and remains unused, with no message or postage.

Historically, this postcard reflects early-war British naval propaganda and public education. Submarines were still a relatively novel and unsettling concept to the general public, and cards such as this were used to frame technological change within a proud continuum of British naval supremacy. By placing the submarine alongside HMS Victory, the image reassures viewers that modern innovation was an extension of historic strength rather than a break from tradition.

From a collector standpoint, this postcard has strong crossover appeal. It fits squarely into WWI naval history, early submarine development, and British propaganda imagery. Raphael Tuck & Sons cards are consistently collected for their quality and documentation value, and naval-themed examples are scarcer than general patriotic or sentimental issues. The specific “Old and the New” theme adds interpretive interest beyond a simple ship portrait.

Condition is very good. The card shows light, even age toning with minor surface wear. Corners and edges are intact with no creases or tears visible. Color remains clear and stable, and the reverse text is fully legible. No repairs or modern alterations are evident.