This guide will address only the DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1904 clasp which was worn on the Kolonialdenkmünze. The Imperial German Colonial Medal (Kolonialdenkmünze or KDM) was established by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 13 June 1912 with revisions on 17 February 1914.  The medal with clasps was awarded retroactively.  The DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1904 clasp was awarded for 2 entirely different events:

• Several patrols were sent to the Baining area (now in New Britain, Papua, New Guinea) from August to October 1904.  Plantations and residents had been attacked and property stolen by some of the Baining natives and the Colonial Government decided to put a stop to it.   The patrols were led by German Polizeimeisters (Police Sergeants) and the total number of Polizei Troops did not total over 125.   Normally, a German Leutnant (Lieutenant) is in charge of the Troops while in the field but it appears that the strength at any one time did not warrant his attendance.  Troops who participated did not serve in the Messi actions in September.  Ship crewmembers were not entitled to this clasp.  There were casualties to both sides but the Police Troops suffered mostly from accidental injuries.
• In September 1904, the area near the remote village of Messi (now in New Ireland, Papua, New Guinea) was engaged in general lawlessness (some called them bandits, others called them  pirates) and the German Colonial Government decided to punish the offenders so the plantations could conduct business in peace.  The patrols were led by German Polizeimeisters (Police Sergeants) and the total number of Polizei Troops was roughly 40 (plus about 2 Polizeimeisters).  Troops who participated did not serve in the Baining actions in August through October.  Ship crewmembers were not entitled to this clasp.  Casualties are unknown but it appears that there were few. 

This clasp was awarded only to Imperial German Colonial Police Troops.  Medals with this clasp to verified participants serving at Messi are the most highly sought after.  Less than 170 men were authorized this clasp (in all categories) and possibly half received the  DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1904 clasp in 1912.  While the medal is somewhat rare, these bronze DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA  clasps are very rare.  As of November 2006, this bronze clasp is only known in one officially issued type:  same width as the ribbon, wide lettering, flat back, pebbled background and with soldered prong backs.  This is not to say that another type wasn't officially issued as well but that only this one type has been verified. 

• In 1995, a single clasp was offered in Germany for €200   
• In 1999, a single clasp was sold in Germany for €185  
• From Sep. 2005 to at least Jan. 2006, a single clasp was offered in Germany for €500

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.  My best advice is:  Buy this clasp only from a reputable dealer who specializes in Imperial German medals and will offer you a 100% guarantee.  For your convenience, other associated guides can be found 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) for further information.  Thank you for your visit!