STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Return from Canton" 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 heroism and determination of AVG Ace "Tex Hill" of the Flying Tigers on a mission in July 1942.

The Story Behind the Print:

In the early morning of July 6th, 1942, Major David Lee "Tex" Hill, an experienced fighter pilot with the Flying Tigers, took off from Kweilin, leading a flight of four P-40E Warhawks. Their mission was to escort five B-25 Mitchell bombers on their way to bomb an oil refinery at Canton. The flight encountered low overcast clouds, but fortunately, the clouds cleared up over Canton, and the bombers were able to hit their target. However, on their way back, one of the B-25 pilots reported being attacked by Japanese Ki-27 fighters. Hill, who was vigilant and always prepared for any eventuality, quickly led his flight in a counter-attack on the enemy aircraft. They managed to shoot down two confirmed Japanese fighters and the mission was deemed a success. 

On the return journey, the situation grew more perilous. One of the B-25 pilots reported that they were being pursued by Japanese Ki-27 fighters. Major Hill, known for his sharp instincts and combat experience, wasted no time in responding. He quickly directed his flight into a counter-attack, engaging the Japanese fighters in a fierce dogfight. Despite the intensity of the encounter, Hill's leadership and the skill of his fellow pilots prevailed. They managed to shoot down two confirmed enemy aircraft, safeguarding the bombers as they made their way back to base.

The mission was not only a tactical success, with the bombers hitting their target, but it also underscored the Flying Tigers' effectiveness as an air unit. Major Hill’s quick thinking and aggressive counter-attack reinforced his reputation as one of the most accomplished fighter pilots of World War II. His leadership and the performance of his P-40E Warhawks helped ensure the safe return of the B-25s and highlighted the vital role the Flying Tigers played in the China-Burma-India theater. This mission, along with others, solidified Tex Hill’s status as a leading ace and key figure in the fight against Japanese forces in the Pacific.   

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 fine art print was commissioned by the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA, and features relic material from their restored P-40E Warhawk. Originally transferred to the British as a Kittyhawk 1a under serial number 41-35918, this aircraft was later supplied to Russia's 19th Guards Regiment under the Lend-Lease program during World War II. Serving on the Eastern Front, the P-40 saw action as part of the Soviet effort to defend against the advancing German forces.Aluminum skin from P-40E Warhawk 41-35918 that is the relic included in the "Return From Canton" limited edition prints

After decades of being lost to history, the aircraft was recovered in 1992, having been preserved in the Russian tundra. The restoration of this aircraft brought it back to flying condition, where it now bears the markings of American Volunteer Group (AVG) Ace David Lee "Tex" Hill’s P-40E Warhawk, serial number 41-5658, designated as “108.” Tex Hill was one of the Flying Tigers, the renowned group of volunteer pilots who fought for China against Japan before the U.S. officially entered the war. His P-40, with its signature shark-mouth nose art, became an iconic symbol of air power and bravery during the conflict in the Pacific.Artist, Craig Tinder, holding panels of the P-40 Warhawk along with the "Return From Canton" limited edition art prints

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.