STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Stacked Deck" 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 honors the "Huey" helicopter service during the Vietnam conflict.

The Story Behind the Print:

In October 1968, UH-1C helicopter no. 14183 from the 229th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) embarked on an assault operation from the Ba To Special Forces Camp in Vietnam. The UH-1C gunship, an upgraded and highly versatile variant of the UH-1, was specifically designed for close air support and armed assault missions. Known for its powerful array of weaponry, this model could be equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, and high-explosive rockets, making it one of the most feared and effective aerial platforms in the conflict. The UH-1C's armament and versatility allowed it to provide essential cover for ground troops, support air assaults, and engage enemy targets with precision.

Although officially designated the "Iroquois," the helicopter’s original designation of HU-1 led to its enduring nickname, "Huey." The UH-1’s iconic design, with its distinctive rotor whine, became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Vietnam War. The helicopter’s role evolved from transport and medevac to combat assault, earning it a legendary reputation on the battlefield. Even after its official redesignation to UH-1, the nickname "Huey" stuck, becoming synonymous with the entire helicopter family.

The UH-1C variant, particularly suited for combat due to its reinforced frame and increased engine power, was an essential part of the U.S. Army’s air mobility strategy. It played a critical role in assault operations, like those from Ba To Camp, where its speed and firepower were instrumental in suppressing enemy forces and providing tactical air support for ground operations. The Huey’s legacy lives on, as it not only transformed the role of helicopters in warfare but also came to symbolize the intense air-ground coordination that characterized the Vietnam 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

Originating from the UH-1C-BF "HUEY" 65-9497, this piece of fuselage bears witness to the aircraft's service in Vietnam. Post-service, the aircraft found its resting place at Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, until its ultimate disposal as scrap, a frequent end for many military vehicles.Panel from UH-1C 65-9497 - Pieces are included with each "Stacked Deck" canvas

Backside of panel

Artist, Craig Tinder with "Stacked Deck" limited edition canvas

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.