Historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Gallery-wrapped canvas artwork
Gallery-wrapped canvas corner
Framed gallery-wrapped canvas corner
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory | INCLUDES: Stabilizer Fabric Piece
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory | INCLUDES: Stabilizer Fabric Piece
The First Victory - WWI Nieuport 28c.1 Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig Tinder

AUTHENTIC RELIC ARTWORK BY CRAIG TINDER

Nieuport 28 - The First Victory | INCLUDES: Stabilizer Fabric Piece

$139.99
Print Sizes
Print Sizes: 18×12 Gallery-Wrapped Canvas — Ready to Hang

Pairs well with

Authentic historical relic · Signed & numbered by Craig Tinder · Certificate of Authenticity included
STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"The First Victory" 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:

On April 14, 1918, 2LT Douglas Campbell of the 94th Aero Squadron, famously known as the "Hat in the Ring" gang, intercepted his first enemy aircraft over the skies near Toul, France. Flying a Nieuport 28c.1, Campbell was part of one of the earliest American fighter squadrons deployed to the Western Front in World War I. That same day, Campbell and fellow squadron member 2LT Alan Winslow achieved the squadron’s first confirmed aerial victories, marking a significant milestone in the unit's history. Their success signaled the arrival of American pilots in the skies of Europe, as they joined the fight against seasoned German forces.

Campbell's aircraft, a nimble Nieuport 28c.1, was unique during this engagement. Unlike most of the aircraft in his squadron, Campbell's Nieuport was outfitted with only a single machine gun rather than the standard two. Despite this limitation, he demonstrated remarkable skill and precision, downing his first enemy aircraft on what was also the 94th Aero Squadron’s inaugural combat patrol. Campbell’s ability to secure victory under such conditions quickly set him apart as one of America’s most promising fighter pilots.

Campbell's success continued, and by May 31, 1918, he achieved his fifth confirmed kill, earning the prestigious title of “ace.” This made him the first American pilot from an American unit to reach ace status, a significant accomplishment that bolstered the morale of the U.S. forces. His sixth and final victory came shortly after, on June 5, 1918, cementing his reputation as one of the finest American aviators of the war. Campbell’s achievements came at a crucial time for the Allied forces, as the tide of the war was slowly turning against Germany.

To ensure the accuracy of this painting, artist Craig Tinder collaborated with Rob Collings of the Collings Foundation, who provided access to the original WWI barracks layout map and personal accounts from 2LT Campbell and his parents. Campbell’s letters home offered firsthand details about the weather, altitude, and the events of that historic day, which Tinder meticulously incorporated into his artwork. These primary sources, combined with the layout map, helped bring authenticity to the piece, allowing the painting to capture the moment with unparalleled precision. This attention to detail not only honors Campbell’s legacy but also ensures the historical accuracy of the scene.

Nieuport No. 512, the same model flown by 2LT Douglas Campbell during his historic combat missions in World War I, has been restored to flying status and is now the oldest airworthy American fighter aircraft in existence. This remarkable aircraft, painstakingly preserved and maintained, serves as a living piece of aviation history, allowing enthusiasts to witness firsthand the type of fighter that helped shape early American air combat.

Upon the release of this print, the great-great grandson, namesake Douglas Campbell, of 2LT Douglas Campbell became the proud owner of an early edition number of "The First Victory" canvas. As Army Aviator, it's an honor for him to have one of these prints.

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

Displayed on a metallic dataplate, this WWI linen fragment was removed during the flying restoration work on Nieuport 28 No. 512. This piece of linen comes from the horizontal stabilizer and was removed by Mikael Carlson in Sebbarp, Sweden during the aircraft's 2019-2022 restoration. With it's original nine-cylinder Gnome Monosoupape 9N rotary engine, the aircraft took to flight in 2022 donning the livery of 2 LT Douglas Campbell's aircraft N.6164 as it appeared on 14 April 1918. The aircraft is on display at the American Heritage Museum in Stow, MA.Tail section of Nieuport No. 512

Horizontal stabilizer - before fabric removal

Large section of horizontal stabilizer linen as used in canvas art print "The First Victory"

Backside of Nieuport linen

Artist, Craig Tinder, holding linen fragment from the Nieuport that is used in the limited edition 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.

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.

Douglas Campbell: America's First U.S.-Trained Fighter Ace

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.