A trading standards investigation has unearthed a 'medal factory' in Derbyshire, sparking the fear that thousands of fake military awards and badges could be in circulation.

The fake medal and poppy badge-making operation ran from a garden shed and a spare bedroom. An investigation that began in 2016 was concluded last week with a successful prosecution.

Trading Standards officers began investigating Croft Militaria Ltd following calls from collectors suspicious that the company was offering so many seemingly rare medals.

They found "a large-scale and sophisticated operation set up to manufacture military medals" at the Ashbourne Road, Mackworth Village address of company director Henry Lyttel, aged 29.

Lyttel traded as 'badgeman2005' on eBay. The seller was accused of offering fake gallantry medals and military badges, including Military Crosses and Distinguished Flying Crosses, along with pin badges bearing the poppy emblem, which is trademarked by the Royal British Legion.

Mark Smith, medal specialist at AH Baldwin & Sons, was among those who assisted in the four-year investigation. He said: "After accompanying a dawn raid by police and trading standards I was amazed to find what can only be described as a medal factory.

"A shed in the garden contained hundreds of faked medals, cap badges, shoulder titles and helmet plates. It was an incredible array of exceptional quality fakes, covering many regiments and units from all ages - literally hundreds of them." Smith added: "This is a devastating blow to the medal world because these items are so good." He believes Croft also used auction houses to sell some of the medals and badges through general sales.

The gallantry medals were manufactured from metals including pre-1940s silver and struck by a process identical to that used by the Royal Mint. Engraving and oxidising chemicals helped make them appear old.

Trading Standards officers established that Lyttel would often purchase incomplete medal groups at auction - those with provenance but typically missing the key award. He would then make any missing medals and sell on the group for much more.

Marcus Budgen, head of the medal department at Spink, added: "It is good news that this has been brought to justice for the collecting fraternity but more importantly the servicemen whose names were entangled in this case. In the first instance it is their outstanding service and sacrifice for our nation that should be remembered.

"It is possible some fake items remain in circulation. Anyone who has purchased from this individual or suspect items may be fake should seek advice from specialists in the field and contact the relevant authorities."

To read the complete article, see:
Raid on eBay seller's 'fake medal factory' run from garden shed leaves market reeling(https://www.antiquestradegazette.com/print-edition/2020/june/2447/news/raid-on-ebay-sellers-fake-medal-factory-run-from-garden-shed-leaves-market-reeling/)