STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Untouchable Pursuit" 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 showcases Luftwaffe Pilot Hans Mutke in a fleeing attempt to escape USAAF P-51D Mustangs.

The Story Behind the Print:

25 April 1945 - In an untouchable pursuit by the U.S. 8th Air Force P-51D Mustangs, Ens. Hans Guido Mutke accelerates "White 3", his trusted Me-262 to safety. Mutke would later claim that he was the first to break the sound barrier - in the Me-262.

On April 9, 1945, German pilot Hans Guido Mutke, flying a Messerschmitt Me 262, undertook a high-altitude training flight as part of the Ergänzungs-Jagdgeschwader 2. During the mission, he detected a P-51 Mustang approaching a fellow pilot and quickly dove into action, pushing his jet into a steep 40° descent. As he passed 12,000 meters (around 39,000 feet), Mutke experienced severe aircraft vibrations. His airspeed indicator hit its maximum limit, suggesting he may have breached the sound barrier—a claim that would spark post-war debate regarding supersonic flight.

While attempting to regain control, Mutke used the Me 262’s unique tailplane adjustment system, which allowed the entire horizontal stabilizer to be angled. This innovation, later adopted by the Bell X-1, helped him briefly stabilize his aircraft. However, after reducing his throttle to slow down, both engines flamed out, leading to further loss of control as his jet shook violently. Mutke managed to restart the engines and regain some control but struggled to bring his speed below 500 km/h.

Upon landing, the damage to his aircraft was apparent: many rivets had been shaken loose, and the wings were visibly distorted. These damages led to speculation that Mutke’s aircraft may have momentarily achieved supersonic speeds, a claim that is still debated. Regardless of the controversy, his flight highlighted the Me 262's cutting-edge design and its potential limitations under extreme conditions.

Mutke’s experience remains a pivotal story in aviation history. It exemplifies the experimental nature of early jet technology, as well as the daring pilots who pushed these machines to their limits in the final days of World War II. Though the question of whether Mutke was truly the first to break the sound barrier remains unresolved, his flight offers valuable insight into the rapid advancements in aviation technology during the war.

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

May 1945 - Aluminum wing skins and sheets from an Me 262 production line were removed by a fleeing Czech worker when German production ceased at the end of the war. Using a cart and horse, the sheeting was taken to the worker's property and was used as roofing material. Aces In Action was able to acquire most of the roofing material in 2021 which had been used as wing skins on the latest production aircraft. Fortunately, the sheets had been installed with the stamping side down, thus saving the precious markings from the elements. 

Each relic included with the canvas print was removed from one of those sheets in 2021, which still clearly includes the original AWS (Aluminum Walzwerke Singen) Eagle 3116.5 manufacturer stamp. Me 262 Relic used in "Untouchable Pursuit" Print

Me 262 AWS 3116.5 Aluminum

Visible Eagle AWS markings inside wing skins

Me 262 Relic as used in "Untouchable Pursuit" Print

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.