The CO's Query - Spitfire Mk IX Canvas | INCLUDES: Propeller Piece

Photo of brick wall showing the different print sizes available.

The CO's Query - Spitfire Mk IX Canvas | INCLUDES: Propeller Piece

$124.99

Print Sizes: A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30

A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30
*Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" X 12" WITH WOOD FRAME
B) Framed Canvas WITH RELIC - 30" x 20" - ONLY 20
C) Paper Print - 18" x 12" - NO RELIC
D) Paper Print - 24" x 16" - NO RELIC

Product variants

A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30

$124.99

Description

"The CO's Query In Flight" by Artist Craig Tinder

This fine art print by artist Craig Tinder captures the iconic Spitfire Mk IXe MJ730 in action during WWII.

The Story Behind the Print

December 1943, Spitfire Mk. IXe MJ730 was produced at Castle Bromwich, UK, and shipped to North Africa, where she first served with 417 Sqn, RCAF, and participated in the Italian campaign, including the Allied landings at Anzio.

Transferred in 1944 to No. 154 Squadron, RAF, Corsica in support of the invasion of southern France, she was filmed by William Wyler for the movie "Thunderbolt." Transferred again on 9 October 1944 to No. 32 Squadron, RAF in Greece, Squadron Leader George Silvester humorously had a "?" painted as its individual code, dubbing her "The CO's Query."

After later serving with the Italian Air Force, MJ730 ended up in Israeli service. Discovered serving as playground equipment in Kibbutz Kabri near the Lebanese border, MJ730 was recovered for restoration in 1978. This aircraft, which flew over 100 combat missions during World War II, has been restored to flying status and proudly bears one of her original paint schemes from her rich service history.

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 & Process

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

Disclaimer

By purchasing from Aces In Action, you acknowledge that the product may vary slightly from the images on our website. We use authentic materials from military vehicles and relics, which may contain potentially hazardous substances. These items are not intended for ingestion, inhalation, or use by children. Aces In Action is an independent company, unaffiliated with or endorsed by any other organization. All names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only, in accordance with the Lanham Act. Their use does not imply any official endorsement.