Nieuport 28 - The First Victory historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
The First Victory - WWI Nieuport 28c.1 Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig Tinder
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder
Nieuport 28 - The First Victory historical relic artwork by Craig Tinder

AUTHENTIC RELIC ARTWORK BY CRAIG TINDER

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

$174.99
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Print Sizes
Print Sizes: A) 18"x12" Canvas WITH RELIC

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

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 honors 2LT Douglas Campbell's first enemy victory in WWI in his Nieuport 28c.1 fighter aircraft.

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

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.