STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Invaders Across the Channel" 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 Artist Craig Tinder depicts Messerschmitt Bf 109E Luftwaffe Ace, Adolf Galland, and his wingman crossing into English airspace during the "Luftcschlacht Um England" - The Battle of Britain.   

The Story Behind the Print:

This Fine Art Print by artist Craig Tinder showcases the iconic Messerschmitt Bf 109E flown by Luftwaffe Ace Adolf Galland and his wingman crossing into English airspace during the pivotal "Luftschlacht Um England"—The Battle of Britain. Set against the dramatic skies of 1940, this artwork captures a significant moment in the early days of World War II when Galland and his fellow Luftwaffe pilots played a central role in the air campaign that sought to gain air superiority over Britain. The intricate detailing of the Bf 109E, one of Germany's most effective fighters during this period, adds an extra layer of historical authenticity to the scene.

Adolf Galland was not only one of the most skilled fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe but also one of its most charismatic leaders. During the Battle of Britain, Galland quickly earned a reputation for his exceptional flying skills, tallying an impressive number of victories over RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes. His fearlessness in the skies and his strategic mind made him a standout ace, and by the end of the battle, he had amassed over 50 confirmed kills. Galland's fame grew, and he became a symbol of the Luftwaffe's fighter prowess. However, his outspoken nature and disagreements with higher command, particularly with Hermann Göring, also set him apart as a pilot who was not afraid to voice his concerns about the Luftwaffe’s strategy.

In late 1941, Galland was promoted to General der Jagdflieger (Commander of the Fighter Force), a role that placed him in charge of Germany's entire fighter force. Despite his new responsibilities, Galland continued to advocate for improvements in aircraft technology and tactics, often criticizing the use of fighters in less effective roles. His influence on the Luftwaffe's operations extended throughout the war, though his disagreements with leadership eventually led to his removal from command in early 1945. This artwork not only commemorates Galland's legacy but also offers a window into a crucial chapter of World War II aviation history, where skilled aces like Galland played a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the air war.

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 Messerschmitt Bf 109 wing skin relic was discovered outside of Olmonty, Poland. Although very few details are known about this specific aircraft, a later-model pilot respiratory component manufactured by Drager-Werke in Vienna, Austria was recovered along with many fuselage fragments.Messerschmitt Bf 109 Relic Fragments

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-wood black 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
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Framed on select artwork
  • Custom sizes are 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.

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.