This relic fragment was removed from B-17G-95-DL Flying Fortress, 44-83872, during a port wing spar restoration in 2001. Originally manufactured at the Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Long Beach, CA, it was delivered on July 12, 1945. The aircraft served with the U.S. Navy as a PB-1W until 1955. It became privately owned and appeared at General Curtis LeMay's retirement ceremony in 1965. After many years of restoration, the aircraft donned the livery of the 381st Bombardment Group and would be known as "Texas Raiders."

Artist Craig Tinder served as a restorer and Loadmaster on B-17G 44-83872 and personally worked to replace many corroded or replaceable components, fasteners, and aluminum skins. These are among the last pieces remaining of this aircraft and include a mix of Natural Aluminum, Zinc Chromate Yellow, Black, Olive Drab, and Neutral Gray.Wing fragment from B-17 removed during restoration - Relics from these parts are embedded onto "Twilight's Last Crucible" limited edition canvas art

This B-17G Flying Fortress wing skin originated from was removed from B-17G 44-83872, during a significant wing spar restoration in 2001. This particular artifact originated from the outer wing segment of the port wing.

Paper prints are also available - click here. 

Appreciate the Art - Learn their Story - Feel the History

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

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 in a solid black wood frame.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

• 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Framed Panoramic Heritage Alloy™
  
• Custom sizes may be available upon request
  

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready for display. 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.

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

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.