This type of engraving is called "Pantographing" the recipients details on the reverse of the medal where there is no rim to conduct the printing as with many medals issued.

As I say there is no fixed answer to pantographing where and when it is done, but you can detect official pantographing to that done by a cup engraver for sports for example.

A good example is the issue of thousands of medals such as the Silver/Diamond/Golden Jubilee medals. None are issued with the recipients details on the rim, due to the cost as given by the mint through MOD. This excuse applied to ALL Commonwealth countries too.
Thats how much of a minefield it is, no rhyme nor reason except cost!!

I get the Medal Yearbook each year, and everytime I am amazed at how varied each country proudly struck and issue a new medal, and the variety of pantographing or simply no name at all. The MOD Medal Office know exactly what an individual should be wearing, as unit by unit informed them of their committments on return and thereafter medals were struck and engraved accordingly.
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