STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Shooting Star" by Artist Craig Tinder

This signed and numbered limited-edition relic artwork is offered in Gallery-Wrapped Canvas presentation. The 18×12 edition is limited to 30 total pieces, and the 30×20 edition is limited to 20 total pieces. Each artwork includes an authentic historical relic and Certificate of Authenticity and is hand-signed by artist Craig Tinder.

The Story Behind the Print:

On an early October morning in 1958, high above George Air Force Base, Col. Donald Wolf of the 434th Tactical Fighter Squadron, also known as the "Red Devils," took his F-104C Starfighter to the skies. The F-104 Starfighter, famously nicknamed "the missile with a man in it," was one of the most advanced aircraft of its time, designed for high-speed interception and air superiority. With its sleek, needle-like fuselage, thin wings, and single General Electric J79 turbojet engine, the F-104 was built for speed. Capable of achieving and sustaining speeds of Mach 2, the aircraft was renowned for its incredible climb rate and high-altitude performance. 

First introduced in the mid-1950s, the F-104 set numerous world records for speed and altitude, making it one of the most celebrated aircraft in aviation history. On May 18, 1958, an F-104C set a new world altitude record of 91,243 feet, and later that year, the Starfighter achieved a world speed record of 1,404 miles per hour. These achievements showcased the remarkable capabilities of the aircraft, cementing its place in the annals of aerospace engineering.

However, flying the F-104 was not without its challenges. Pilots found it to be a demanding aircraft due to its high-speed capabilities and unique flight characteristics. The Starfighter had a small margin for error, and early models were notorious for high accident rates, particularly during takeoff and landing. Despite these challenges, the F-104 gained a dedicated following among pilots and was continuously improved over its operational life.

The Starfighter’s reach extended far beyond the United States. It was exported to over 15 air forces around the world, serving in various roles from air superiority to reconnaissance and strike missions. Among its international operators, the Italian Air Force became one of its most prominent users, continuing to fly the aircraft until 2004, long after many other air forces had retired their fleets. Italy’s long use of the F-104 speaks to the aircraft’s adaptability and ongoing relevance in various military roles.

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 fragment was removed from an F-104 map and data case located in the cockpit of the aircraft. Although the specific aircraft this artifact originates from is unknown, this panel was salvaged before the aircraft was retired - from the E. Bowers Collection.

F-104 Map and data case -fragment is included with each print

Map and data case relic

Map and data case relic

Artist, Craig Tinder, holding map and data case with canvas prints

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.

ACES IN ACTION JOURNAL

Explore Further

Discover the people, missions, machines and events behind this artwork with the complete story in the Aces In Action Journal.

F-104 Starfighter: Supersonic Speed and the Shooting Star Relic

Read the Full Story

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.