STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Hurry Home Honey" 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 commemorates the pilot Maj. "Pete" Peterson and includes a one-of-a-kind relic.

The Story Behind the Print:

Major Richard A. Peterson, known as “Pete” or “Bud,” joined the newly-formed 357th Fighter Group at Tonopah, Nevada, as a 2nd Lieutenant and pilot. When the group became operational in England in February 1944, Peterson quickly rose through the ranks and began scoring victories, becoming the Top Gun of the 364th Fighter Squadron. Over the course of the war, Peterson flew 150 combat missions across two tours and earned 15.5 confirmed victories, making him a triple ace by the end of the conflict.

Peterson’s P-51 Mustangs were all named Hurry Home Honey, a personal tribute to his wife Elaine. The name came from the way Elaine signed off her letters to him while he was deployed, symbolizing their close bond and giving him added motivation to return safely from each mission. Peterson’s Mustangs, bearing this affectionate name, became legendary within the 357th Fighter Group as he consistently demonstrated his flying skill and leadership in the cockpit.

By the age of 21, Peterson had already earned the rank of Major and was awarded several prestigious honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, and the Silver Star. His service with the 357th Fighter Group during World War II made him one of the most successful and highly decorated pilots of the 364th Fighter Squadron.

After the war, Peterson pursued a career as a distinguished architect and remained connected to his wartime legacy. He passed away on 4 June 2000, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, skill, and dedication, with Hurry Home Honey serving as a lasting symbol of his devotion to both his mission and his family.

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 specific P-51D-25-NA Mustang fragment came from a fuselage panel of aircraft Construction No. 122-40530 (N51TH). Due to corrosion and age, these original skin panels were replaced in the early 2000s during the restoration of N51TH.Hurry Home Honey - P-51D Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderRelic from a P-51 Mustang used in the "Hurry Home Honey" canvas art

This particular fragment of a P-51D-25-NA Mustang came from the fuselage panel of aircraft 44-73990 (Construction No. 122-40530). Built in 1944, it initially served with the US Army Air Force before being transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1951.

After changing hands several times, the aircraft eventually joined the air racing circuit under the name "Pigeon Chaser." It was flown by the legendary R.A. "Bob" Hoover as the pace plane for the 1971 Cape May National Air Races.

From 2000 to 2015, the aircraft underwent extensive restoration and is now back as an airworthy Mustang.

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.

Hurry Home Honey: A P-51 Mustang Love Story

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.