STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Old Reliable" 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 Limited Edition Fine Art Print autographed by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the White Star Line's "Old Reliable" - the nickname for the RMS Titanic's sister-ship, the Olympic, while in pursuit of her would be attacker, the German U-Boat U-103 on 12 May 1918.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 12 May 1918, the RMS Olympic, known by her wartime designation as HMT Olympic and affectionately called “Old Reliable,” was repurposed from luxury liner to serve as a vital transatlantic troop transport during World War I. The largest ship pressed into wartime service at the time, she was freshly camouflaged and carried thousands of American troops across the Atlantic. This mission would mark one of the most dramatic moments in her career. Early that morning, as Olympic steamed through hostile waters, she was shadowed by the German U-boat U-103, which was preparing to launch a stern torpedo attack.

Spotting the danger, the crew of Olympic quickly manned her deck gun, striking the U-boat and rendering it immobile. Despite the initial success, Olympic's captain made the bold decision to continue the assault. Weighing 46,000 tons, Olympic charged at the helpless U-103 and, with her massive propellers cutting through the submarine’s hull, rammed the vessel. U-103 sank within minutes, making it the only warship to be sunk by a passenger merchant vessel during World War I.

This incredible act of naval warfare highlighted Olympic’s adaptability and solidified her status as "Old Reliable," a moniker earned not only for her wartime service but also for her resilience and reliability throughout her career. The sinking of U-103 remains a unique event in military history, a testament to the exceptional circumstances that led a luxury liner to become a symbol of Allied strength during the Great 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 relic is a genuine fragment from the deck of the RMS Olympic, the sister ship to the ill-fated Titanic, and represents a rare piece of maritime history. Built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast and launched in 1910, the Olympic was part of the White Star Line’s trio of iconic transatlantic liners. Known as the "Old Reliable," the Olympic had a storied career, including service as a troopship during World War I and later returning to transatlantic voyages. The ship continued to sail until her decommissioning and scrapping in 1935.Pieces from the deck of the Olympic used in the "Old Reliable" limited edition print

During the scrapping process, much of the ship’s deck and interior fittings were repurposed. One of the most fascinating chapters in the Olympic's post-service life is the use of her decking as floorboards in the Haltwhistle Paint Factory, located in the UK. In 2004, Aces In Action acquired a series of deck fragments directly from K. Jackson, the former facilities contractor at the Smith & Walton Haltwhistle Paint Factory. These deck fragments, once walked upon by passengers of one of the most famous ocean liners in history, were carefully removed and preserved, offering collectors a unique connection to the Olympic's illustrious past.Piece from the deck of the Olympic used in the "Old Reliable" limited edition print

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

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.