This guide will address only the TOGO 1894/95 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.  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.

The clasp TOGO 1894/95 was awarded mainly to Togo Police Troops for enforcing the general security of the Togo Hinterland from January 1894 to December 1895.  This clasp was awarded only to African Imperial German Colonial Police Troops (mainly Hausas and a few Fanti) but there appears to be a number of Europeans and Africans who were attached.  Less than 750 Togo Police Troops were authorized this clasp and possibly half  received the TOGO 1894/95 clasp in 1912. A very large number of the recipients of TOGO 1894/95 were also authorized TOGO 1895.  While generally not highly prized by collectors, the main value is due to it being the first Togo clasp which makes it the most highly priced.  An excellent reference is:  Schanz, Moritz West-Afrika (Berlin, 1903). 

As of 1 March 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 sharp flat 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 1993, a clasp was sold in Germany for €218
• In 1996, a clasp was offered in Germany for €250
• In February 2007, a clasp was offered in Germany for €375

Copies and forgeries are known.  Most copies (typically cast) were made for collectors or re-enactors who required 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.  My best advice is:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in Imperial German medals and who will offer you a 100% guarantee for this clasp.

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