STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Old Exterminator" 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 determined stance of "Old Exterminator" - the shark-toothed mouth of Col. Robert Scott's venerable P-40E Warhawk from the famed Flying Tigers.

The Story Behind the Print:

A West Point graduate, Col. Robert Scott would command the 23rd Fighter Group of the 14th Air Force which was formed by General Claire Chennault. Col. Scott flew nearly 400 combat missions, including many in "Old Exterminator" and received 13 confirmed victories, becoming one of the first combat aces of World War II.

Colonel Robert Lee Scott Jr. was a decorated U.S. Air Force pilot who gained fame during World War II for his leadership in the China-Burma-India theater. He is best known for his memoir God is My Co-Pilot, in which he detailed his experiences flying combat missions as the commander of the 23rd Fighter Group, a successor to the legendary Flying Tigers. Scott initially joined the war effort in secret, flying combat missions in China without official authorization, which later earned him recognition as one of the most daring pilots of the era.

His most famous aircraft, a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk dubbed "Old Exterminator," became a symbol of his fearless fighting spirit. The P-40 was known for its rugged build and distinctive shark-mouth design, and Scott used it to execute audacious airstrikes against Japanese forces. Despite the plane's limitations in altitude and speed compared to enemy aircraft, Scott's skill and aggression made him one of the early American aces of the war, with 13 confirmed aerial victories to his name. His repainting of "Old Exterminator" to confuse enemies and simulate additional aircraft was just one of the many innovative tactics he employed.

In addition to his combat prowess, Scott played a crucial role in boosting morale through his leadership and personal courage. He logged countless hours in the air, often flying without adequate resources or support, which contributed to his legend. After the war, he continued to serve in various roles within the Air Force and authored several books recounting his adventures. Scott's legacy, particularly through his P-40 Warhawk "Old Exterminator," remains a significant chapter in the history of American military aviation.

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 P-40E Warhawk Air Intake fragment was discovered nearly 40 km from Murmansk, Russia on the western side of Kola Bay. This component was discovered along the shoreline with many other components from the cockpit. The aircraft was part of the Lend-Lease act between the United States and the former Soviet Union.

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.

Old Exterminator: The P-40 Warhawk and the 23rd Fighter Group

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.