STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"The CO's Query In Flight" 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 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

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

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.