STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"M998 HMMWV" 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:

Introduced in 1989, the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, replaced the aging M151 series Jeeps, marking a significant upgrade in the U.S. military’s ground vehicle fleet. Engineered for extreme versatility, the M998 Humvee is capable of transporting a 2,500-lb payload and tackling the toughest terrains with ease. Its rugged design includes the ability to climb slopes of up to 60% and ford water up to 60 inches deep, making it ideal for a wide range of military missions. The vehicle’s 16 inches of ground clearance allows it to navigate through difficult off-road conditions that would leave many other vehicles stranded.

The Humvee became the global standard for off-road military vehicles, earning its reputation through its unmatched performance in various environments. Its modular design enables the Humvee to be configured for a multitude of tasks, from troop transport and cargo carrying to specialized missions such as ambulance duties, TOW missile launching, and serving as a machine gun platform. The Humvee has also been deployed in scout-reconnaissance roles and many other critical operations. Its adaptability has ensured that the vehicle can be equipped with different armor configurations, weapon systems, and communication devices depending on mission requirements.

Over the years, the Humvee has become an icon of military mobility, supporting operations in diverse theaters of conflict, including the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Its combination of durability, off-road capability, and mission flexibility has made it indispensable for modern military operations, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of military logistics and tactical support.

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 fragment is an authentic piece of supplemental door armor from a U.S. Military High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee. The vehicle, a staple of U.S. ground forces since the 1980s, was designed to serve in a variety of roles, from troop transport to light combat support. To enhance protection for soldiers operating in increasingly hostile environments, especially during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, supplemental armor kits were developed and fitted onto the Humvee's doors and body. This particular armor fragment consists of multiple steel plates riveted together on the exterior of the vehicle's door, offering added defense against small arms fire, shrapnel, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).Up-close view of the M998 relic mounted on canvas art piece

The steel armor plates were layered and designed to be modular, meaning they could be added or replaced in the field as needed. The exterior of the armor was painted with the standard tri-tone camouflage pattern used by the U.S. military, which helped the vehicles blend into diverse environments, from desert to woodland terrain. The paint used on these vehicles is CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating), a specialized coating that not only provides camouflage but also resists corrosion and protects the vehicle's occupants from chemical, biological, and radioactive threats. CARC's durability and resistance to chemical agents have made it a standard for military vehicles exposed to hazardous combat zones.Artist, Craig Tinder, holding the "M998 HMMWV" relic art print next to his personal M1123 Humvee

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.

M998 HMMWV: The Humvee and Its Armor Relic

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.