STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

 "Silent Predator" 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:

The USS Atule (SS-403), a Balao-class submarine, was commissioned by the U.S. Navy during the height of World War II in 1944. As part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Atule embarked on multiple war patrols across the Pacific theater, establishing itself as a significant threat to enemy shipping. During its wartime service, the Atule was credited with sinking five enemy vessels, totaling approximately 28,600 tons of Japanese shipping. These successful patrols underscored the crucial role of submarines in disrupting enemy supply lines and naval operations during the war, earning the Atule a reputation as a formidable force in the Pacific.

After the conclusion of World War II, the USS Atule underwent several significant modifications to adapt to the evolving needs of the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. This period saw a transition in the role of submarines, from direct engagement in wartime patrols to a broader strategic function in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and deterrence. The Atule played a part in these missions, reflecting the shift in naval priorities as tensions with the Soviet Union grew. Throughout its service, the Atule exemplified the adaptability of the Balao-class submarines, serving both in times of total war and the ensuing Cold War standoff.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This art piece is an officially licensed product of the U.S. Department of the Navy and is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder.

Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This artifact originated from a wooden crew member's box that was used aboard the USS Atule. These boxes typically stored tools or spare parts and often times are the only physical relic remaining of the ship.

Tool Box - USS Atule. Pieces of this are used as the relic included in the "Silent Predator" limited edition prints

Note the commissioning date stamp - standard practice for many US Navy vessels during WWII

Inside of tool box

Artist, Craig Tinder, with USS Atule relic and limited edition canvas art "Silent Predator"

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.

Silent Predator: USS Atule Beneath the Waves

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.