This authentic artifact originated from a segment of the propeller belonging to the British Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe MJ730. In 2015, the aircraft suffered a propeller tip strike, resulting in significant damage that rendered the propeller beyond repair. Through a collaborative effort with the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Aces In Action, the propeller will be used to support a number of Spitfire art pieces. The propeller, constructed from laminated spruce wood, enhanced with fiberglass, an aluminum edge strip, and a rubberized leading edge, showcases the pinnacle of piston-engine technology.

Slices of MJ730 laminated spruce propeller - note the running bond pattern for strength

Posterior side of MJ730 propeller

Anterior side of MJ730 propeller

Broken tip of MJ730 propeller. Note the rubberized leading edge

MJ730 flew over 100 combat missions during World War II, initially with No. 417 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, defending the Anzio Beachhead in Italy. Later, it served with No. 154 Squadron, RAF, supporting the invasion of Southern France from Corsica. MJ730 also saw action with No. 32 Squadron RAF over the Balkans and No. 94 Squadron RAF in Greece before being transferred to the Italian Air Force and later to Israeli service. Discovered serving as playground equipment in Kibbutz Kabri near the Lebanese border, MJ730 was recovered for restoration in 1978. This aircraft is currently in flying condition at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Paper prints are also available - click here. 

Appreciate the Art - Learn their Story - Feel the History

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

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 in a solid black wood frame.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

• 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Framed Panoramic Heritage Alloy™
  
• Custom sizes may be available upon request
  

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready for display. 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.

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

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.