STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Alaskan Tigers" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Fine Art Print by Craig Tinder depicts General Chennault's son, Col. John 'Jack' Chennault protecting the Aleutian Islands from Japanese invasion.

The Story Behind the Print:

During World War II, the 343rd Pursuit Group played a critical role in defending Alaska's Aleutian Islands from the threat of Japanese invasion. From mid-1942 to the fall of 1943, the group, equipped with P-40 Warhawks, safeguarded the U.S. mainland’s northern frontier. The harsh, unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain of the Aleutians made the mission challenging, but the pilots of the 343rd were more than capable. Their P-40s, painted in a modified "shark-mouth" paint scheme as a nod to the iconic Flying Tigers, became symbols of resilience and determination in this remote theater of war.

The 343rd's commander, Col. John "Jack" Chennault, carried with him the tactical wisdom passed down from his father, General Claire Lee Chennault. Jack applied many of the same strategies that his father had developed during his leadership of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) in China. These tactics, which involved diving from high altitudes to attack enemy aircraft and quickly disengaging, proved highly effective in the unique challenges of aerial combat in the Aleutians. Under Jack's leadership, the 343rd successfully repelled Japanese attempts to threaten American soil.

General Claire Lee Chennault had achieved legendary status as the leader of the Flying Tigers, training his pilots to exploit the strengths of the P-40 in their battles against Japanese forces in China. He emphasized using the Warhawk’s speed in dives and its heavy armament to strike quickly and powerfully, a tactic designed to overcome the Japanese aircraft's superior maneuverability. These lessons proved invaluable not only in China but also in the defense of the Aleutians, where Jack Chennault’s squadron applied his father's methods with precision.

The connection between the Chennaults and the P-40 Warhawk is a story of innovation, courage, and tactical brilliance. Claire Chennault’s strategies in the skies over China not only saved lives and boosted morale during the early stages of the war but also influenced his son’s successful defense of Alaska. The 343rd Pursuit Group’s mission in the Aleutians, using these proven tactics, secured an important victory in protecting the U.S. from a northern invasion, marking another chapter in the enduring legacy of the P-40 Warhawk.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This P-40E Warhawk air intake fragment was discovered near Murmansk, Russia, along the western shoreline of Kola Bay, approximately 40 kilometers from the city. The fragment, along with several other cockpit components, originated from a P-40E Warhawk, an aircraft delivered to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease Act during World War II. This international agreement between the United States and its allies provided critical support in the form of war materials, including aircraft, to help in the fight against the Axis powers.P-40E Warhawk Air Intake fragment

During the war, many P-40s were flown to Alaska and then ferried across the Bering Strait into Soviet territory, eventually reaching the northern regions of Russia. The rugged P-40, known for its resilience and adaptability, became a key component of Soviet air defense. These aircraft were used to defend strategic locations, including the port city of Murmansk, which was a vital hub for Lend-Lease shipments. The harsh conditions of the Russian landscape and the unforgiving climate took a toll on both the pilots and the planes, leading to the loss of many aircraft in the remote wilderness.

The Lend-Lease program provided more than 2,400 P-40s to the Soviet Union, helping to reinforce their air forces in the face of relentless German attacks.

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

HERITAGE ALLOY™

Heritage Alloy™ is the next generation of Aces In Action Relic Artwork. Made from a rigid aluminum composite material, its smooth surface delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail with a luminous quality that is difficult to fully capture in photographs.

Each Heritage Alloy™ edition incorporates our exclusive Artifact Dock™, integrating the authentic historical relic, its provenance, and limited-edition identification directly into the artwork. Available Ready to Hang or finished in a solid black wood frame.

GALLERY-WRAPPED CANVAS

Select Relic Artwork editions remain available on our traditional gallery-wrapped canvas while inventory lasts. Canvas provides a classic, textured fine-art presentation and is available Ready to Hang or finished in our traditional black floater frame.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Ready to Hang or Framed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Framed
  • Custom sizes may be available upon request

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready for display. 18" × 12" Heritage Alloy™ Ready-to-Hang editions include an installed rear wall-mount bracket, while Gallery-Wrapped Canvas arrives ready to hang without an external frame. Framed editions include installed hanging hardware. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

RELIC MATERIAL & VARIATION

Unless otherwise stated, the relic included with your artwork is a fragment taken from the larger historical component shown in the reference photos. The size, shape, color, markings, and appearance of each relic may vary based on the original material available. Reference photos are provided to document and illustrate the source of the relic material and may not depict the exact fragment included with your artwork.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

ARTIST • HISTORIAN • RELIC CURATOR

Craig Tinder has spent more than two decades creating historically researched artwork that connects collectors with the people, machines, and events that shaped history. His work goes far beyond illustrating an aircraft, ship, or vehicle—the research and historical artifacts behind each piece are an integral part of the artwork.

Craig works with museums, aircraft and vehicle restoration organizations, veterans, historians, collectors, and other historical institutions around the world to locate and document authentic artifacts with meaningful connections to the subjects he depicts. He supplements this physical evidence with extensive research using museum collections, military records, historical photographs, archives, and other primary and secondary sources from around the world.

In his workshop, Craig carefully prepares and incorporates these genuine historical relics into his signed and numbered artwork, preserving their provenance while giving artifacts that might otherwise remain unseen a new way to tell their story.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.