A factory worker pleaded guilty to stealing ornaments marking the Queen's 80th birthday which were offered on eBay before their release.
Dennis Mansell (34) was committed to Wolverhampton Crown Court for sentencing next month after he admitted a charge of theft as an employee.
Prosecutor Georgina Quinn told the city's magistrates' court that Mansell, of Salter Road, Tipton, had taken various items, including clocks, worth £22,000 from Bilston and Battersea Enamels between February and September 2005.
District Judge Michael Morris committed Mansell's case to Crown Court after deciding that his powers of punishment were insufficient.
Mansell's co-defendant, Adrian Hingley, pleaded not guilty to handling stolen items.
The 39-year-old, of Bradley Lane, Bilston, was committed to stand trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
