Steinhude's pike

Count Wilhelm von Schaumburg-Lippe's most famous invention was the "Steinhuder Hecht", the first submarine constructed in Germany. It was designed by J. C. Praetorius, who was also an engineer in the count's service. J. C. Praetorius had the idea of a submarine when Count Wilhelm von Schaumburg-Lippe was given supreme command in Portugal in 1762. It was to be propelled by sails when traveling on the water. Under water, the "Steinhuder Hecht" was to be moved by strokes of the tail fin driven by the crew. A smaller prototype is said to have actually dived in the Steinhuder Meer in 1772. The boat allegedly had room for eight men and could dive for around twelve minutes. However, it is not known how the diving attempt turned out. Sketches and a model replica of the "Steinhuder Hecht" can be seen in the island fortress Wilhelmstein 


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