This remarkable relic originates from a 1/4-sheet copper plate crafted from G.F. Muntz's patented alloy, known as "Yellow Metal." The plate was part of the original hull cladding of the Cutty Sark, one of the world’s most famous clipper ships. The copper plating, composed of 60% copper, 40% zinc, and trace amounts of iron, was specifically designed to protect wooden ships from biofouling and to prolong their service life. Muntz metal, first patented in 1832, offered superior antifouling properties that allowed vessels like Cutty Sark to maintain their speed and durability over long voyages.

Copper plate from the bottom of the ship's hull - used as relic on "The Cutty Sark" limited edition prints

The Cutty Sark was one of the last clippers to feature a wooden hull protected by this revolutionary metal. Ships with Muntz copper plating were less prone to damage from marine organisms, making them more efficient and requiring less maintenance. This advantage was particularly crucial during the height of the tea and wool trades, where speed and reliability were paramount.Copper plate from the bottom of the ship's hull - used as relic on "The Cutty Sark" limited edition prints

During the ship’s 2006 restoration, the original Muntz metal plating was removed and replaced with newly fabricated "Yellow Metal" sheets. This particular section of the original plating was salvaged before the tragic fire that engulfed the Cutty Sark in 2007. It now stands as a rare and tangible piece of maritime history, preserved from a ship that has become a symbol of 19th-century maritime innovation. This relic, from the Nauticalia LTD and Cutty Sark Trust collection, offers a direct connection to the craftsmanship and technological advances of the era that enabled the Cutty Sark to achieve its legendary speed and endurance on the high seas. Muntz Plating Relic included with each canvas art piece

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.

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.