STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Bold Tigers" 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:

December 2018 - F-15E Strike Eagles of the renowned "Bold Tigers" of the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron struck a significant blow against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) within their claimed territory. Based at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, the Bold Tigers deployed to an undisclosed Middle Eastern location through early 2019 to support OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE. Their lethal combat deployment proved highly successful, playing a vital role in advancing the defeat of ISIS and securing the region's stability. 

The 391st Fighter Squadron, based at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, deployed to an undisclosed location in the Middle East for several months to carry out their mission. Known for their skill and lethality in combat, the Bold Tigers brought with them years of experience, as the F-15E Strike Eagle had been a backbone of U.S. air power for decades. The aircraft's ability to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions made it an invaluable asset in the fight against ISIS, allowing the Bold Tigers to engage enemy forces and provide close air support to ground troops.

Throughout their deployment, the Bold Tigers played a key role in dismantling ISIS’s operational capabilities. They targeted key infrastructure, supply routes, and command centers, significantly weakening the terrorist organization’s control over the region. The F-15E's advanced avionics and targeting systems allowed the Bold Tigers to deliver precise, devastating strikes that minimized civilian casualties while maximizing the impact on ISIS forces. Their efforts contributed to the eventual liberation of key territories from ISIS control and were instrumental in pushing the terrorist group to the brink of defeat.

By early 2019, the Bold Tigers had returned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, leaving behind a legacy of courage and effectiveness in one of the most challenging combat environments of the 21st century. The success of their deployment was a testament to the skill of the squadron and the power of the F-15E Strike Eagle, which remains a symbol of American air superiority.

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 originates from the avionics bay of an F-15E Strike Eagle belonging to the 391st Fighter Squadron, known as the "Bold Tigers." These components were deemed damaged, out of tolerance, or otherwise unusable by the squadron's maintenance office and were subsequently released as scrap. Despite being discarded, these parts have significant historical value, as they come from aircraft that flew numerous combat missions during some of the most dangerous and intense military engagements in recent history.

The relics consist of internal avionics bay trays, holders, and fittings, which are painted in various versions of zinc chromate, giving them distinctive metallic green and blue hues. Zinc chromate, a corrosion-resistant primer, is commonly used in military aircraft to protect critical components from harsh environments and extensive wear and tear. 

Owning a fragment from the Bold Tigers’ F-15E Strike Eagles offers not just a piece of military aviation history, but also a symbol of the bravery and skill of the pilots and crew who flew these missions. These relics represent the aircraft’s service in protecting global security and the sacrifices made by those who ensured its readiness for combat.F-15E Strike Eagle components

F-15E "Bold Tigers" canvas with relic

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.

Bold Tigers: F-15E Strike Eagles in Combat

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.