In the lead-up to the 23 December 1944 attack on Rochefort, France, during the Battle of the Bulge, Panzer Lehr, one of Germany's elite armored divisions, found itself severely understrength. Only one of its two tank battalions was combat-ready, as the other had been transferred to its parent unit, the 3rd Panzer Division. This diminished fighting force was part of Germany’s last major offensive on the Western Front, an attempt to break through the Allied lines and push back their advances. Despite being a shadow of its former self, Panzer Lehr remained a crucial element in the Ardennes offensive.Rear toolbox lid from Hetzer tank - fragments from this are used as relics on "The Turn to Rochefort" limited edition prints

A tangible relic of this desperate final offensive was discovered in the mid-1990s—a rear toolbox lid from a Jagdpanzer 38, a tank destroyer used by Panzer Lehr. Mounted on the left rear quarter of each vehicle, the toolbox lid is a stark reminder of the ferocity and intensity of the fighting in the Ardennes. Having been buried in the soil for decades, the relic shows significant wear, including heavy pitting and rust, effects of the passage of time in the harsh environment of the battlefield.Rear toolbox lid from Hetzer tank - fragments from this are used as relics on "The Turn to Rochefort" limited edition prints

Each canvas print in this collection includes a fragment removed from this original toolbox lid, offering a unique connection to the history of Panzer Lehr’s involvement in the Battle of the Bulge. The relic serves as a symbol of Germany’s last significant armored thrust in Western Europe, a battle that marked the beginning of the end for the Third Reich’s war effort.Rear toolbox lid from Hetzer tank - fragments from this are used as relics on "The Turn to Rochefort" limited edition prints

Photo of Hetzer tank showing location of rear toolbox

Artist, Craig Tinder, holding Hetzer tank relic that is included in "The Turn to Rochefort" limited edition prints

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.

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

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.