STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Storch of Audembert" 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:

The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch rises from the grass field at Audembert, demonstrating the remarkable short takeoff performance that made the aircraft indispensable during the early years of the war. Positioned less than a mile from the English Channel near Calais, Audembert served as one of the Luftwaffe’s most forward fighter bases during the Battle of Britain. From this exposed coastal airstrip—lacking paved runways and reliant on favorable weather—units of Jagdgeschwader 26 “Schlageter” operated under the leadership of Adolf Galland as they prepared for sustained air operations over southern England.

Life at Audembert reflected the temporary and tactical nature of these forward airfields. Personnel worked and lived out of tents, trailers, and nearby villages, while fighter aircraft were concealed beneath trees or camouflaged netting to avoid aerial detection. Despite its austere conditions, the field played a vital role in supporting Luftwaffe sorties during the critical summer and autumn of 1940.

Within this environment, the Storch fulfilled a unique and essential function. Renowned for its extraordinary short takeoff and landing capability, the aircraft was used for reconnaissance, liaison duties, message transport, and the movement of personnel between dispersed units. The scene captures not only an aircraft in motion, but a moment rooted in the operational reality of one of the most strategically positioned airfields of the war.

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 a complete belly panel beneath the cockpit of a Fieseler Storch Fi 156 C-2, with multiple sections still riveted together as originally assembled. Clear remnants of the original green and light blue camouflage remain visible across the surface, and while the panel shows bends and minor dents from service and recovery, it remains structurally solid and well-preserved. The panel was recovered from the former Luftwaffe airfield at Audembert near Calais, a key fighter base during the Battle of Britain, commanded by Adolf Galland and operated by Jagdgeschwader 26 until 1944.

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.

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.