STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"The Bone" 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 illustrates the initial test program of the supersonic B-1 (B-One) bomber.

The Story Behind the Print:

Originally designed in the early 1970s to replace the aging fleets of B-52 Stratofortresses and B-58 Hustlers, the B-1A Lancer was intended to carry a similar weapons payload while incorporating several critical advancements. Among these improvements were the ability to take off from shorter runways, allowing for greater base flexibility, and the capacity to fly at supersonic speeds, reaching up to Mach 2.2. The aircraft’s swing-wing design provided versatility in flight dynamics, allowing it to switch between high-speed supersonic flight and slower, low-altitude penetration modes to avoid enemy radar.

However, the high cost and substantial political opposition to the program became significant obstacles. By 1977, President Jimmy Carter canceled the full-scale production of the B-1A, which had been planned to produce 244 units. Only four B-1A prototypes were completed and continued in limited testing. The decision to cancel the B-1A was largely influenced by the development of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and cruise missiles, which were deemed more cost-effective solutions for the U.S. nuclear deterrent strategy.

In 1981, the program received new life when President Ronald Reagan resurrected the B-1 concept, albeit with significant modifications. The revised B-1B Lancer was slower, with a reduced top speed of Mach 1.2, but its low-altitude performance was vastly improved, making it more adept at penetrating enemy air defenses. Additionally, upgrades in stealth technology made the B-1B more difficult to detect by radar. The B-1B was designed with a lower radar cross-section and better electronic countermeasures to enhance its survivability in hostile environments.

By 1988, 100 B-1B bombers had been delivered to the United States Air Force. While it was originally conceived as a nuclear-capable bomber, the B-1B later transitioned into a conventional role, serving in multiple conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War on Terror. Its ability to carry large payloads of conventional munitions made it a versatile and invaluable asset for the U.S. military, and the B-1B continues to play an important role in modern U.S. air power.

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 second prototype of the B-1A Lancer, serial number 74-0159. On 29 August 1984, during flight testing at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, a critical issue developed that led to a tragic crash. While conducting tests, the aircraft experienced an aft center of gravity situation that caused the nose to pitch up uncontrollably. The flight crew attempted to recover the aircraft, but it became irretrievable, leading to a crash 22 miles northeast of the base.Fragments of the B-1 Lancer used as relics in "The Bone" limited edition prints

These relics from the crash site have never been part of the broader collector's market and were sourced directly from the location by the G. Frazier collection. The B-1A Lancer program played a key role in the development of supersonic strategic bombers, with the B-1A evolving into the more widely known B-1B, which became a critical asset for the U.S. Air Force in the following decades. This piece of aviation history is a reminder of the risks taken during the advancement of military aviation technology.Fragments of the B-1 Lancer used as relics in "The Bone" limited edition prints

Letter of Provenance - R.G. Frazier

 Relic fragment being prepared for the 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.