F-104 Starfighter Shooting Star | Relic Art

F-104 Starfighter - Shooting Star historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder

AUTHENTIC RELIC ARTWORK BY CRAIG TINDER

F-104 Starfighter - Shooting Star | INCLUDES: Map & Data Case Fragment

$124.99

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Print Sizes: A) 18"x12" Canvas WITH RELIC

A) 18"x12" Canvas WITH RELIC
* 18"x12" Canvas WITH RELIC - Framed
B) 30"x20" Canvas WITH RELIC - Framed

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Authentic historical relic · Signed & numbered by Craig Tinder · Certificate of Authenticity included

F-104 Starfighter - Shooting Star | INCLUDES: Map & Data Case Fragment

A) 18"x12" Canvas WITH RELIC

$124.99

STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Shooting Star" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the F-104 Starfighter, a high-performance supersonic air superiority fighter that flew as a frontline fighter around the world for nearly five decades.

The Story Behind the Print:

On an early October morning in 1958, high above George Air Force Base, Col. Donald Wolf of the 434th Tactical Fighter Squadron, also known as the "Red Devils," took his F-104C Starfighter to the skies. The F-104 Starfighter, famously nicknamed "the missile with a man in it," was one of the most advanced aircraft of its time, designed for high-speed interception and air superiority. With its sleek, needle-like fuselage, thin wings, and single General Electric J79 turbojet engine, the F-104 was built for speed. Capable of achieving and sustaining speeds of Mach 2, the aircraft was renowned for its incredible climb rate and high-altitude performance.

First introduced in the mid-1950s, the F-104 set numerous world records for speed and altitude, making it one of the most celebrated aircraft in aviation history. On May 18, 1958, an F-104C set a new world altitude record of 91,243 feet, and later that year, the Starfighter achieved a world speed record of 1,404 miles per hour. These achievements showcased the remarkable capabilities of the aircraft, cementing its place in the annals of aerospace engineering.

However, flying the F-104 was not without its challenges. Pilots found it to be a demanding aircraft due to its high-speed capabilities and unique flight characteristics. The Starfighter had a small margin for error, and early models were notorious for high accident rates, particularly during takeoff and landing. Despite these challenges, the F-104 gained a dedicated following among pilots and was continuously improved over its operational life.

The Starfighter’s reach extended far beyond the United States. It was exported to over 15 air forces around the world, serving in various roles from air superiority to reconnaissance and strike missions. Among its international operators, the Italian Air Force became one of its most prominent users, continuing to fly the aircraft until 2004, long after many other air forces had retired their fleets. Italy’s long use of the F-104 speaks to the aircraft’s adaptability and ongoing relevance in various military roles.

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 fragment was removed from an F-104 map and data case located in the cockpit of the aircraft. Although the specific aircraft this artifact originates from is unknown, this panel was salvaged before the aircraft was retired - from the E. Bowers Collection.

F-104 Map and data case -fragment is included with each print

Map and data case relic

Artist, Craig Tinder, holding map and data case with canvas prints

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

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.