STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"High Tailed Lady" 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.

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder illustrates the 24 December 1944 mission of the B-17G Flying Fortress "High Tailed Lady" of the 487th Bombardment Group on her way to the target of the Luftwaffe airfield in Babenhausen, Germany. 

The Story Behind the Print:

On 24 December 1944, during the final days of the Battle of the Bulge, B-17G Flying Fortresses of the 487th Bombardment Group took to the skies as part of Mission No. 760, targeting strategic sites in Babenhausen, Germany. This mission was vital in disrupting German supply lines and diminishing their capacity to continue the fierce counteroffensive. Leading the 8th Air Force, the Flying Fortresses were met with heavy resistance from the Luftwaffe, specifically Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8s of IV.(Sturm)/JG 3, a renowned German fighter squadron known for their aggressive aerial tactics against Allied bombers.

Near Liège, Belgium, the Luftwaffe launched a coordinated attack on the B-17 formations, leading to one of the most intense aerial engagements of the mission. The IV.(Sturm)/JG 3 pilots, trained in specialized bomber interception, aimed to inflict as much damage as possible, claiming 10 B-17 Flying Fortresses that day. Despite this aggressive assault, many B-17s fought bravely to complete their mission, including High Tailed Lady (serial 43-38028), which managed to evade destruction and continue flying.

High Tailed Lady, with its durable construction and the determination of its crew, survived the perilous attack and went on to complete its bombing run successfully. This aircraft, like many others, played a crucial role in maintaining the offensive pressure on Germany during this critical period. Though the Luftwaffe made significant claims, the resilience of the 8th Air Force allowed them to continue their relentless campaign in the final stages of World War II. High Tailed Lady's survival stands as a testament to the strength of the B-17G and the bravery of the aircrews who flew these dangerous missions.

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

This B-17G Flying Fortress wing skin originated from B-17G-95-DL 44-83872 (BuNo. 77235), known as "Texas Raiders" during a significant wing spar restoration in 2001. This particular artifact originated from the outer wing segment of the port wing. The artist was a Loadmaster and restorer of this aircraft and personally acquired this material during these restoration efforts. B-17G-95-DL 44-83872 aluminum panels removed during restoration process

B-17 Flying Fortress fragment mounted for "High Tailed Lady" artwork

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.

ACES IN ACTION JOURNAL

Explore Further

Discover the people, missions, machines and events behind this artwork with the complete story in the Aces In Action Journal.

High Tailed Lady: Christmas Eve 1944

Read the Full Story

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.