P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder

AUTHENTIC RELIC ARTWORK BY CRAIG TINDER

P-38 Lightning - Richard Bong "Marge" | INCLUDES: Internal Aluminum Fragment

$149.99
Print Sizes
Print Sizes: 18×12 Heritage Alloy™ — Ready to Hang

Pairs well with

Authentic historical relic · Signed & numbered by Craig Tinder · Certificate of Authenticity included
STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Marge" by Artist Craig Tinder

This signed and numbered limited-edition relic artwork is offered in Heritage Alloy™ and original Gallery-Wrapped Canvas presentations. 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:

In March of 1944, the war in the Southwest Pacific was defined as much by preparation as it was by combat. Operating from Nadzab Airfield in New Guinea, Richard Bong—already credited with 40 aerial victories—flew his P-38J Lightning, Marge, on a series of early morning weather reconnaissance missions that helped shape daily air operations across the region. On March 23, 1944, Bong again took to the air alongside 2nd Lt. Thomas E. Malone of the 421st Night Fighter Squadron, continuing a pattern of coordinated flights designed to assess conditions ahead of larger missions. These were not headline engagements, but essential sorties that ensured the effectiveness of every operation that followed.

During this period, Marge had only recently received her distinctive nose art, completed earlier that month at Nadzab. Photographs from mid-March show the aircraft already bearing the wear of tropical service, with its natural aluminum finish worn by the harsh environment and operational tempo. In the days leading up to March 23, Bong flew repeated reconnaissance escorts to Tadji, working closely with elements of the 421st NFS. These missions required precision, reliability, and discipline, often conducted in marginal weather and at altitude, where navigation and communication could quickly become compromised.

The operational risks of these flights were very real. On March 24, 1944, a similar mission encountered severe weather conditions, mechanical failures, and ultimately the loss of the aircraft "Marge" after the pilot was forced to bail out. Such events underscore the environment in which Bong and other P-38 pilots operated—where even routine missions carried significant danger. This artwork reflects that moment in time: not a single engagement, but a sustained period of flight operations that defined the daily reality of air combat in the Pacific and the aircraft that carried America’s top ace through it.

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This original 1940s hydraulic oil tank was once part of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning (unknown serial number), a critical component supporting the aircraft’s flight systems during wartime operations. Over time, parts such as this became unsuitable for restoration or reuse in airworthy or static display aircraft due to condition, completeness, or evolving preservation standards.

Rather than being discarded, this component was preserved and repurposed as a historical relic—offering a tangible connection to the aircraft and the era in which it served. Pieces like this represent the countless operational elements that kept the P-38 mission-ready, providing a direct link to the engineering, maintenance, and sustained effort behind one of World War II’s most iconic fighters.

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.

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.