This guide will address only the DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1913 clasp which was worn on the Kolonialdenkmünze. 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.  

The clasp DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1913 was awarded for the Umboi Island Expedition.  This tropical volcanic island is about 900 square kilometers in area and is off the north coast of New Guinea.  It might be of interest to note that a mythical creature makes it home here which is called a Ropen.  The Ropen is believed to be a living Pterosaur and is similar in stories to yeti or bigfoot while others suspect that it is simply a large bat type flying reptile.  There are legendary accounts of the natives, German colonials, and the Expeditionary Force encountering this creature. 

Contemporary illustration of the Ropen on Umboi Island

Prior to 1913, colonial planters living on the island had been randomly attacked by cannibals and there were some problems with the locals who objected to the German rule.  In 1913, the large lake on the island changed colors (it re-occurred in 1921 due to sulfur releases) which the natives took as an omen about the foreign presence and some unrest began.  The Lutheran Mission reported these events to the other colonials who undertook preparations for a revolt.  The German colonials had often requested assistance and a force of troops was sent to deal with the situation on Umboi Island (also called Siassi or Big Siassi Island) from 25 February to 5 March 1913.  Fewer than 700 men were authorized this clasp (in all categories) and most received the clasp DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1913 in early-1914.

• In 1993, a single clasp was sold in Germany for €136.   This is the only case that I've noted from 1988-1 March 2008 of the clasp DEUTSCH-NEUGUINEA 1913 appearing on the market. 

This clasp was awarded only to Imperial German Colonial Police Troops (some were members of the Reserves).  Some military &/or naval personnel were attached and received the appropriate clasp.  Native New Guinea troops did not total over 600 at any one time.  While the medal is somewhat rare, these bronze clasps are very rare.  As of 1 February 2007, 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.  

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