Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic
Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic

Final Burst At First Light - P-61 Black Widow Canvas | INCLUDES: P-61B Aluminum Relic

$179.99
Print Sizes
Print Sizes: A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30
Description

"Final Burst At First Light" by Artist Craig Tinder

In the early hours of December 30, 1944, Major Carroll “Snuffy” Smith piloted his P-61 Black Widow over the waters near Manila Bay on a night patrol mission. Having already downed three enemy aircraft, Smith and his radar operator, Lt. Philip Porter, detected one final radar contact as dawn began to break. With light from the rising sun revealing the target, Smith identified it as a Nakajima Ki-84 “Frank”—a fast, heavily armed Japanese fighter comparable to the American P-47.

Despite the Frank’s reputation as one of the most advanced aircraft in Japan’s arsenal, Smith maneuvered the P-61 into an unusually close firing position—just 75 feet from the enemy aircraft. With limited ammunition remaining and no cover under the morning sky, he fired a short burst from the Black Widow’s 20 mm cannons. The Frank was torn apart midair, breaking into pieces and falling into the sea before Smith could even pull away.

This print captures the intensity and precision of that final engagement—an extraordinary moment in World War II aviation history. It was Smith’s fourth victory in a single night, achieved with remarkable efficiency, and helped solidify his place as America’s top-scoring night fighter ace.

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 & Process

This authentic aluminum fragment originates from the Northrop P-61B Black Widow, serial number 42-39445, one of the few remaining airframes of this iconic World War II night fighter. Assigned to the 550th Night Fighter Squadron, the aircraft crashed on 10 January 1945, following an engine failure during a test flight from Hollandia Airfield in New Guinea. All crew members and two unauthorized Army nurses survived, but the aircraft was left behind in the dense jungle, where it remained untouched for over four decades.



Artist photo of P-61 42-39445 during restoration

In 1989, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM) began the challenging process of recovering the wreck. Located deep in the jungle and heavily corroded, the aircraft was painstakingly disassembled and transported back to the United States through a complex, multi-phase operation involving helicopters, flatbed trucks, and ocean freight. Today, 42-39445 is undergoing one of the most ambitious warbird restoration projects currently underway, with the goal of becoming the world’s only airworthy P-61 Black Widow.


Original black-painted horizontal stabilizer skin of P-61 42-39445

The aluminum fragment included with this artwork was removed from the aircraft’s horizontal stabilizer and generously provided by artist and friend, Gary Velasco of Fighting Colors in 2025. This rare relic represents a direct connection to the Black Widow’s combat legacy, its remarkable recovery, and the enduring efforts to preserve this night fighter’s place in aviation history.



Artist photo while taking measurements of this rare aircraft while conducting research for painting.

Disclaimer

By purchasing from Aces In Action, you acknowledge that the product may vary slightly from the images on our website. We use authentic materials from military vehicles and relics, which may contain potentially hazardous substances. These items are not intended for ingestion, inhalation, or use by children. Aces In Action is an independent company, unaffiliated with or endorsed by any other organization. All names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only, in accordance with the Lanham Act. Their use does not imply any official endorsement.
© 2025 Aces In Action: Historical Art gallery. 
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