STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Twilight Tear" by Artist Craig Tinder

This signed and numbered limited-edition relic artwork is offered in Heritage Alloy™ and original Gallery-Wrapped Canvas presentations. 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.

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts one of the most challenging missions fought by P-51 Mustangs of the 78th Fighter Group and includes an actual P-51D Mustang relic from that unit.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 19 March 1945, the U.S. 8th Air Force launched one of its largest aerial raids over Nazi Germany, targeting vital railroad yards and airfields in an effort to cripple the German war machine. The 78th Fighter Group, flying their P-51D Mustangs, including the famous Twilight Tear piloted by Lt. Hubert Davis, provided air cover for the bomber formations. As the raid progressed, the 78th FG encountered Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters of IV./JG 27 over the skies of Germany.

In a fierce and decisive dogfight, the Mustangs of the 78th engaged and successfully downed 11 enemy Bf 109s, delivering a significant blow to the already depleted Luftwaffe. However, the battle intensified when fighters from IV./JG 26, flying the newer Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9, entered the fray. The arrival of this experienced unit shifted the dynamics, and the previously dominant 78th FG soon found themselves in one of the toughest aerial battles of the war.

Over the course of an hour, 46 Mustangs from the 78th Fighter Group faced off against 125 Bf 109s and Fw 190s. Despite their bravery and skill, only six P-51s were lost in the engagement, two of which were confirmed to have been downed by Oberleutnant Hans Dortenmann, one of Germany’s top aces flying the formidable Fw 190 D-9. Despite the losses, the 78th emerged victorious, having inflicted heavy damage on the Luftwaffe in one of the most intense air battles of World War II. This battle became one of the 78th Fighter Group’s defining moments.

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 aluminum wing fragment comes from the iconic P-51D-20NA Mustang, serial number 44-63864, known as Twilight Tear. Flown by Lt. Hubert Davis of the 78th Fighter Group, 83rd Squadron, based out of Duxford, England, Twilight Tear played a significant role in the air campaigns over Europe during World War II. Lt. Davis, an accomplished pilot, shot down three Luftwaffe aircraft during his service: two Bf 109s and the revolutionary Me 262, the world’s first operational turbojet fighter. His victories, particularly against the Me 262, underscored the skill and determination of Allied pilots in combating advanced German aircraft technology.
P-51D-20NA, serial number 44-63864 aluminum wing fragment

The wing fragment was removed from the aircraft during its meticulous restoration by Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in 2007, where the Mustang was returned to flying status. Remarkably, Twilight Tear is one of the few restored warbirds still wearing its original wartime paint scheme, a rare and important connection to its history as a combat aircraft. The restoration not only preserved the aircraft’s original skin but also ensured that it could once again take to the skies, providing a living tribute to the pilots who flew in defense of freedom.
Back side of P-51D-20NA, serial number 44-63864

Fagen Fighters, known for their dedication to preserving World War II aircraft, played a crucial role in maintaining the legacy of Twilight Tear. The museum’s restoration efforts ensure that the story of Lt. Davis and his Mustang continues to inspire future generations, while organizations like Aces In Action help preserve and share these incredible pieces of aviation history.
Fragment of Twilight Tear commemorated with one of her finest moments

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 engraved-metal, 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

Depending on the artwork and edition, available formats may include:

  • 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

Please refer to the product selections above for the specific materials, sizes, and framing options currently available for this artwork.

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 editions arrive 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.

Twilight Tear: P-51D Mustang 44-63864 and the 78th Fighter Group

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.