This movie is exactly what you need. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20,000_Leagues_Under_the_Sea_(1954_film) It's a 1950's movie adaptation of Jules Vernes famous submarine book. I mean, how much closer can you get? Wouldn't be surprised if the concept was actually inspired by the movie.
I agree, that is a bit more 1930's art-deco meets 1830's steam punk. I don't see a whole lot that says 1950's. In the 50's they where heavy on "the future" "the jet age" sleek designs that would later inspire the "rocket/space age" in the 60's. The US was largely untouched by WW2 and didn't have to focus on reconstruction…