Messerschmitt Bf 109 - JG 51 historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Messerschmitt Bf 109 - JG 51 historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Messerschmitt Bf 109 - JG 51 historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Jagdgeschwader 51 - Messerschmitt Bf 109 Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig Tinder
Messerschmitt Bf 109 - JG 51 historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Messerschmitt Bf 109 - JG 51 historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder

AUTHENTIC RELIC ARTWORK BY CRAIG TINDER

Messerschmitt Bf 109 - JG 51 | INCLUDES: Skin Fragment

$124.99
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Canvas Size
Canvas Size: A) 18"x12" Canvas WITH RELIC - SOLD OUT

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Authentic historical relic · Signed & numbered by Craig Tinder · Certificate of Authenticity included
STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Jagdgeschwader 51" 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 Luftwaffe Ace, Werner Mölders and his wingman searching for new targets over the Eastern Front.

The Story Behind the Print: 

Werner Mölders is widely regarded as one of the most influential fighter aces and tacticians of World War II. Born in 1913, Mölders quickly made his mark in aerial combat during the Spanish Civil War, where he honed his skills and became a formidable pilot. It was in World War II, however, that Mölders rose to legendary status. In June 1941, Mölders became the first pilot in history to achieve 100 aerial victories, a milestone that solidified his reputation as a groundbreaking figure in the Luftwaffe.

Mölders' approach to aerial combat was revolutionary. He developed tactical doctrines that redefined dogfighting and squadron coordination for the Luftwaffe. Among his most notable contributions was the finger-four formation, which enhanced the maneuverability and flexibility of fighter units. This tactic, which involved four planes flying in a loose, finger-like pattern, allowed pilots to cover each other while remaining agile in combat. This formation, along with other strategies devised by Mölders, became the foundation for modern aerial warfare tactics and remains influential in air forces worldwide today.

In 1941, Mölders was promoted to Inspector of General Fighters, making him responsible for overseeing the Luftwaffe’s fighter forces. His promotion marked his growing influence not just as a fighter ace, but as a strategic mind shaping the future of aerial combat. Tragically, Mölders' career was cut short later that year when he died in a flying accident on 22 November 1941. He was en route to attend the funeral of World War I flying ace, Ernst Udet, when his aircraft crashed during bad weather. Mölders was only 28 years old at the time of his death, yet his legacy as a pilot and tactician continues to endure.

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 aluminum skin relic was recovered near the town of Gumrak, Russia, close to the Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) airport. Likely originating from a Messerschmitt Bf 109, possibly an F-4 or G-2 variant, this aircraft part connects directly to the fierce air battles during the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-1943. Found near the Pitomnik and Gumrak airfields, the relic sheds light on the role of German aircraft during one of the most pivotal engagements of World War II.Messerschmitt Bf 109 aluminum skin fragment with RLM 70 and RLM 74 paint colors

At the time, Gumrak and Pitomnik airfields were critical supply and support bases for the encircled 6th Army, trapped by Soviet forces in the infamous Stalingrad pocket. The German command heavily relied on these airfields to supply the encircled 6th Army, with Tatsinskaya and Morozovsk serving as main supply bases, while smaller airstrips like Voroponovo and Basargino supported transport and fighter operations.Luftwaffe fighters like the Bf 109 were tasked with providing air cover, engaging Soviet aircraft, and protecting German supply lines.

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

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.