"Final Defense of 357" by Artist Craig Tinder
This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi of the 244th Sentai in his desperate ramming attack against U.S. B-29 Superfortress bombers. This Limited Edition Canvas Print includes a fragment from a Kawasaki Ki-61-IB Hein engine canister and includes an engraved Certificate of Authenticity.
Canvas Size:
Medium 18" x 12" (45.7 cm x 30.5 cm) gallery-wrapped canvas print (unframed) comes ready-to-hang and includes an embedded fragment from a Ki-61 Hein mounted on a beautifully engraved metallic data plate which outlines the details of the print and relic for all viewers to study. As an added touch, each canvas art piece is hand-signed by artist Craig Tinder and includes a metallic, Certificate of Authenticity for added provenance and collectibility.
Each Limited Edition Framed Canvas Print is signed and hand-crafted by Artist Craig Tinder using the highest quality materials and archival techniques. Each piece of artwork is created on-demand and typically takes 1-2 weeks for delivery.
Details About the RELIC:
This specific Kawasaki Ha40 Engine Canister was retrieved in 1989 from Ki-61 "Tony" (No. 704) at Babo Island Airstrip, Irian Jaya, New Guinea. Babo Airstrip was used by the Royal Australian Airforce until they evacuated in January 1942. Used extensively by both the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force and Imperial Japanese Navy, Babo became a major expansion base in the Pacific theater. By 1943, Babo became an Allied target and was attacked nearly 65 times until all Japanese forces on the island were neutralized. Many Japanese aircraft were strafed on the ground or crashed in the nearby jungle.
This original engine filter may have been strafed as it includes a single bullet hole through the center and the device retains most of it's original black paint with no signs of ensuing fire damage. This item has never been in collector's circulation and is an extremely rare artifact from the South Pacific conflict. Tony '704' was recovered in 1991 and is currently awaing restoration.
The Story Behind the Print:
27 January 1945 - Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi of the 244th Sentai, prepares for an attack on the B-29 Superfortresses of the 497th Bombardment Group, 73rd Bomb Wing. The 497th had attempted to attack Target 357 (aircraft engine factories) numerous times with little impact. On this day, Kobayashi dived down with his wingman and attacked the B-29 "Irish Lassie" (42-65246) by crashing his Ki-61 Hein (Tony) into the bomber's wing. Awaking after a brief period of unconsciousness, Kobayashi parachuted to safety. Although claimed as a kill by the Japanese that day, "Irish Lassie" safely delivered her crew back to base and broke in two upon landing.
Appreciate the Art - Learn their Story - Feel the History
This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!
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