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

AUTHENTIC RELIC ARTWORK BY CRAIG TINDER

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

$174.99
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Print Sizes
Print Sizes: A) 18"x12" Canvas WITH RELIC

Pairs well with

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

"Final Burst At First Light" 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!

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!

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.