This relic comes from a large 34" x 36" section of the port wing of a JU-87 B-1 Stuka, W.Nr. 5611, recovered near Yukhnov, Russia. The panel, still coated with original RLM 76 (light blue) paint, displays access hatches, oil streaks, and remnants of Russian soil in its stringers. This aircraft, part of II/StG1, was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire on April 18, 1942, during the German advance on the Eastern Front. Despite their injuries, both the pilot, Lt. Hans Buchholz, and his radio operator, Uffz. Hans Bayerlein, survived the crash, making an emergency landing in an area that had been liberated by Soviet forces just a month earlier.

The aircraft suffered an 80% loss during the crash, with significant damage caused by the intense flak that hit it during its mission. The crash site, located 70 km west-northwest of Kaluga, was a hotspot for combat activity during this period, as the Soviets had launched counter-offensives to reclaim lost ground. This intact panel is a rare remnant of the aircraft, providing insight into both the machine's design and the ferocity of the battles it participated in.

Lt. Hans Buchholz and Uffz. Hans Bayerlein were fortunate to survive the crash, but the damage inflicted on the aircraft during its final mission underscores the peril faced by Stuka pilots in these high-risk operations. The JU-87 Stuka, known for its infamous dive-bombing tactics and terrifying siren, played a crucial role in early German victories, but by 1942, it was increasingly vulnerable to Allied anti-aircraft fire and superior fighters. This artifact not only represents a tangible piece of aviation history but also serves as a testament to the endurance and bravery of the crews who flew in these dangerous missions."Eagle on the Eastern Front' canvas print with relics

Starboard underwing panel of JU 87B-1 Stuka 

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.