The Imperial German Colonial Medal (Kolonialdenkmünze) was established by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 13 June 1912 with revisions on 17 February 1914.  The medal with clasps was awarded retroactively.  This guide will address only the clasp for DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1897 and was worn only on the bronze combatant version of the Kolonialdenkmünze. 

Protection Troops  (Deutsche-Neuguinea, ca. 1896)

On 3 November 1884, Germany proclaimed protectorate over northeastern New Guinea (Kaiser-Wilhelmsland, Deutsche-Neuguinea).  From 17 May 1885 to 1899, it was administered by the German New Guinea Company (Deutsche Neu-Guinea Compagnie).  The  Landeshauptleute of the New Guinea Company during this period of interest were:  
 1 Sep 1892 -  3 Mar 1895  Georg Schmiele                     (born 1855 - died 1895)
 3 Mar 1895 - 17 Aug 1896  Hugo Rüdiger
22 Sep 1896 - 13 Aug 1897  Kurt von Hagen                    (born 1859 - died 1897)
15 Aug 1897 - 11 Sep 1897  Albert Hahl (acting)               (born 1868 - died 1945)
11 Sep 1897 - 31 Mar 1899  Hugo Skopnik

This clasp was awarded only to Imperial German Colonial Protection Troops and Police Troops.  Some military &/or naval personnel were attached and received the appropriate clasp.  New Guinea troops did not total over 600 at any one time.  Part of the interest in this clasp is that many of the actions were against smugglers, bandits, pirates, and cannibals - each being a fascinating story in itself but beyond the scope of this guide.  While the medal is somewhat rare, these bronze clasps are very rare.  Currently, this bronze clasp is only known one type:  same width as the ribbon, wide lettering, pebbeled background and with prong backs.   The clasp  DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1897 was awarded for:

• Actions against cannibals during 1897 in the mountain region of Friedrichs-Wilhelmhaven (now called Papua, New Guinea) .
• Actions in October 1897 against the pirate towns on the islands of Madine (Madina) and Selapiu.  This clasp to a verified pirate combatant is in great demand but the market hasn't seen one in over 25 years. 

Note that attached military/naval personnel would have received the Centenary Medal.  There is debate within the specialist collector circles as to whether or not the Protection Troops and Police Troops were entitled to the Centenary Medal but most believe they were eligible.  If you are interested in details of these events, some internet sites provide further information (the absolute best specialist sources are in German) but specialized history books are the best English language source. 

• In 1999, a single clasp was sold in Germany for €256
• In September 2004, a single clasp with KDM was offered by a Germany dealer for €550

If you found this guide helpful, a Yes vote is appreciated.  This will help me gauge the level of interest in this and similar topics for further guides.  For your convenience, other associated guides can be found at:  medal guides is located at:  http://reviews.ebay.com/Imperial-German-Medal-Guides-Index_W0QQugidZ10000000002386112 &/or  http://reviews.ebay.com/Imperial-German-Colonial-Medal-DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA_W0QQugidZ10000000002379852.  Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides for further information.  Thank you for your visit!