This guide supplements the Imperial German China Medal clasps ebay guide by providing further information on the unofficial clasps which may be encountered.  Lack of space in the guides prevents the two from being consolidated.  I strongly suggest that you read the guide about Imperial German China Medal clasps http://reviews.ebay.com/Imperial-German-China-Medal-clasps_W0QQugidZ10000000002368954 first since it contains information required to fully appreciate the details listed in this guide.  In a few instances, information has been duplicated since it's pertinent to both guides.  Another guide which may be of interest is:  http://reviews.ebay.com/Imperial-German-Medal-Guides-Index_W0QQugidZ10000000002386112.

These unofficial bronze clasps have notes which are of interest to the collector.  When clasps are present on a China Medal, the manufacturing styles should match and any irregularity should be reason for suspicion - which may be a result of an unofficial clasp added.  Some jeweler's copy clasps have been hallmarked.  Each clasp has different manufacturing types:  (1) flat single ribbon width, wide lettering  (2) flat single ribbon width, narrow lettering  (3) flat 1 1/2 ribbon width, wide lettering  (4) flat 1 1/2 ribbon width, narrow lettering  (5) thick single ribbon width, hollow back, "fat" wide lettering (6) flat single ribbon width, tall & wide lettering and ca. 25% taller than the official clasps.  There are 2 different attachment methods:  (A) slip-on (B) prong back - and there are different styles to the prongs.

KUAN-TSCHANG  Unofficial clasp.

• (2006) Known in at least 3 private German collections

NANKUANTO  Unofficial clasp.

• (2006)  Known in at least 5 private German collections
• (2007)  Known in at least 8 private German collections

NAN-HUNG-MEN  Unofficial clasp.

• (2005, €130+) A German dealer sold this guaranteed CDM with LIANG-HSIANG-HSIEN and NAN-HUNG-MEN 
• (2006, €325) A German dealer sold this Type 2B clasp with guarantee

PEITANG FORTS  Spelling variant of an official clasp.  Reputedly in existence but an example has not been located.

TSCHÖNGLING  Unofficial clasp.  Used to recognize actions in and near Tschöngling in northern China.  Unknown to a verified recipient with TAKU &/or PEKING. 

• (1988)  A single clasp was noted as being offered on the German market by a well known dealer.
• (2005, €160+) A German dealer sold a CDM with TSEKINGKWAN and KALGAN and TSCHÖNGLING, all were type 2B clasps
• (Sep. 2006)  A Type 1B clasp was offered in Germany for €100
• (February 2008, €500) A CDM with TSEKINGKWAN and KALGAN and TSCHÖNGLING, all were type 2B clasps, was offered at a German Militaria show.   Possibly the same as noted in 2005 above.

TSUHANG  Unofficial clasp, very rarely encountered.

• (February 2001, €100) A single damaged clasp was offered at a German Militaria Show
• (2006) Known in private German collection

TSUHANG-TSCHÖNGLING  Unofficial clasp, probably the most common example in private collections but rarely seen on the market.  Most top-of-the-line German dealers can obtain an example within weeks.

Dated clasps  Unofficial clasps are sometimes found with 1900, 1900-1901, 1900-01, and 1901 in a variety of styles. 

Copies and forgeries abound.  Most copies (typically cast) are made for collectors or re-enactors who require an example.  Please review my copy medal guide http://reviews.ebay.com/Worldwide-Military-Medals-Copy-Medal_W0QQugidZ10000000001875117 and forgery medal guide http://reviews.ebay.com/Worldwide-Military-Medals-Forgery-Medals_W0QQugidZ10000000001875079 for a more detailed explanation.  Jeweler's copies are known and are often accepted if they are verified contemporary - but many sellers do not make the distinction clear.  Again, the best advice is:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in Imperial German medals.  Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides for further information.  Thank you for your visit!