This episode takes place in 1904. However the character of the smooth talking Baron (played by Leigh Lawson) is in part based on real life con-man Victor Lustig (1890-1947). Lustig is most famous for conning a rich man into 'buying' the Eiffel Tower for scrap metal. Lustig also produced a money making (counterfeit) machine exactly like the one portrayed in this episode. Lustig even conned Al Capone. He was at his height as a con artist in the 1920s and 30s.
At the time this episode was made, Angharad Rees, who played Lady Adam, was married to Christopher Cazenove, who played Lord Hazelmere.