STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"The Push Back" 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 the final days of Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf.E (Sd Kfz 181) Tiger Tanks of Panzer-Abteilung (FkI) 301.

The Story Behind the Print:

This depiction focuses on the final retreat of the last three Tiger I tanks from 1.Kompanie/Panzer-Abteilung (FkI) 301 as they withdrew under immense pressure from Allied forces during the final days of World War II. The unit, originally formed in North Africa in 1942 as part of the 5th Panzer Army, was reformed in August 1944 after suffering significant losses. After narrowly escaping destruction in the Falaise Pocket during the Battle of Normandy, the unit regrouped and unsuccessfully counterattacked the U.S. Third Army in Lorraine, France, before retreating back to Germany.

In the final stages of the war, Panzer-Abteilung 301 was reinforced with elements of the 9th Division, equipped with Tiger I tanks. These forces were deployed in critical battles, including the Ardennes Offensive (Battle of the Bulge) and the Remagen Bridgehead, in desperate attempts to stem the advancing Allies. Despite the formidable reputation of the Tiger I, these late-war actions failed to reverse Germany’s fortunes, and by April 1945, the unit was retreating into the Ruhr Pocket, a final stronghold of German resistance.

The last three Tiger I tanks from Panzer-Abteilung 301 were destroyed on 16 April 1945 in the Ruhr Pocket, effectively marking the end of the unit’s role in the war. This scene represents the final moments of a once-dominant fighting force, as they faced overwhelming Allied advances and the collapse of the German war effort.

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 mounted relic is an engine storage tank fragment from a Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf.E (Sd Kfz 181) Tiger Tank, part of Panzer-Abteilung (FkI) 301. This particular component, which housed essential items such as batteries and electrical components, was originally stored in the engine bay, with much of the original paint still intact. The relic comes from one of the last Tiger tanks destroyed in the Ruhr Pocket, during the April 1945 battles near Elsdorf, south of Düsseldorf.Engine storage tank from a Tiger Tank of Abteilung 301. Fragments of this item are included as the relic in "The Push Back" limited edition prints

At the end of World War II, many of the large tank chassis and steel hulks were removed and recycled for their valuable materials. However, smaller components, like this storage tank, were often left behind on the battlefield or taken by locals for repurposing in everyday life. These pieces, now rare, provide a tangible connection to the war’s closing days and the fierce fighting of Panzer-Abteilung 301 as they defended Germany during the final Allied push.WWII Tiger 1 PzKpfw VI Ausf. E Relic Plaque - Full Color 8"x10"-Historical Display Plaques-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderEngine storage tank from a Tiger Tank of Abteilung 301. Back side orientation

Internal view

Recovered near Elsdorf, this relic is part of a significant find of Tiger Tank parts that Aces In Action has collected. Alongside this storage tank fragment, other recovered items include track link pins and rings, engine components, and turret items. These pieces offer a unique opportunity to own a part of the legendary Tiger I, an iconic symbol of German armored might during World War II.Artist, Craig Tinder, holding the Tiger Tank relic that is included in "The Push Back" limited edition 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-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.