This guide supplements the Imperial German Southwest Africa 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 Imperial German Southwest Africa Medal clasps guide (http://reviews.ebay.com/Imperial-German-Southwest-Africa-Medal-clasps_W0QQugidZ10000000002369273) 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, 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 styles:  (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. 

KALAHARI  An example (note that no date is mentioned) was reported in existence during the late 1970's.   Possibly a transcription error but included here since it was reported on the market.

NAMALAND   This clasp is possibly a result of a transcription error but included here since it has been reported on the market.

WATERBURG  Reputedly in existence but an official example has not been located.  Possibly a transcription error but included here since it was reported on the market.

·1906·  This clasp appears to be extraordinarily similar to a re-worked British Natal Medal clasp.  Further comments can not be made until more information is obtained.

• Type 3A (damaged) mounted on SWA Medal (1987)

Dated clasps  Unofficial clasps are sometimes found with 1904, 1905, 1906, ·1906·, 1904-1905, 1904-1906, 1904-1905-1906, 1905-1906, 1904-06, 1904-05-1906, 1905-06, 1904/1905, 1904/1906, 1904/1905/1906, 1904/05, 1904/06, 1904/05/06, and 1905/06.

Copies and forgeries abound.  Most copies (typically cast) are made for collectors or re-enactors who require an example.  This particular medal (as well as the clasps) has been forged in large numbers in northern Germany during 2006, complete with wear and aging and typically attached to an old ribbon.  Jeweler's copies are known and are not highly regarded even 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!