STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Old Glory" 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 crew members of the 310th Bombardment Group along with their B-25 Mitchells and includes a one-of-a-kind relic.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 20 April 1945, six B-25J Mitchell medium bombers from the 12th Army Air Force embarked on a critical mission to target the Cento Road Bridge in Northern Italy. The bridge, spanning the Reno River and connecting Bologna to Ferrara by rail, was a vital link in the German supply chain. This made it a high-priority target for the Allied forces, as severing this connection would significantly hinder the movement of German troops and supplies in the region. The mission was part of the larger Allied strategy to dismantle the infrastructure supporting German forces in Italy during the closing days of World War II.

The attack on the Cento Road Bridge was the second bombing attempt by the squadron. This time, the B-25 bombers encountered little resistance due to the absence of enemy fighters in the area. The mission faced only heavy but largely inaccurate flak, which resulted in minor damage to two of the aircraft. Despite the challenging anti-aircraft fire, the bombers delivered precise strikes, with multiple direct hits across the trestle. The careful planning and execution of the bombing runs, which targeted both the northwest and southeast approaches, ensured the destruction of the bridge, disrupting German transport routes.

All six B-25s successfully returned to base after the mission, with their crews unharmed. The destruction of the Cento Road Bridge marked a significant blow to the German war effort in Italy, as it further isolated their remaining forces and cut off crucial supply lines. This artwork captures the moment of triumph in the skies over Northern Italy, celebrating the precision and bravery of the 12th Army Air Force in their final push against the Axis powers in Europe.

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 relic originates from the engine cowl panel of B-25J-15-N aircraft, serial number 44-28938, now famously known as Old Glory. Built in Kansas City, KS, Old Glory rolled off the assembly line on 9 August 1944 and was quickly dispatched to the 12th Army Air Force, 57th Bomb Wing, 310th Bombardment Group, 428th Bombardment Squadron in Italy. There, she participated in numerous bombing missions during World War II. Remarkably, she is one of only two B-25 Mitchells still flying today that saw active combat operations during the war.Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderCowl panel from B-25J-15-N aircraft SN 44-28938

After the war, Old Glory transitioned to peacetime duties, serving as a fire bomber, corporate transport, and air tanker. Her versatility demonstrated the adaptability of the B-25 platform in various roles beyond military service. In 2020, however, Old Glory suffered a crash that required a full restoration. During the restoration process, several original 1940s components, including the engine cowl panel, were replaced as part of bringing the aircraft back to airworthy condition.WWII B-25 Mitchell Relic Plaque-Historical Display Plaques-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderArtist Craig Tinder cutting pieces of "Old Glory" for use in the limited edition print

The fragment included with this piece was removed from the original engine cowl panel during the restoration. It stands as a testament to the aircraft's enduring legacy, representing both its service during World War II and its continued role as a symbol of aviation history. Fully restored, Old Glory now flies again, educating the public and preserving the legacy of the brave aircrews who piloted the B-25 Mitchell into combat.

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 Glory: Restoring a B-25 Mitchell to Flight

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.