This guide will cover only the TOGO 1896 clasp which was worn on the German 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.  Be aware that spelling differences are common.  An excellent reference is:  Schanz, Moritz West-Afrika (Berlin, 1903).   The clasp TOGO 1896 was awarded mainly to Togo Police Troops for three different events: 

• 6 January to 14 March 1896:  An Expedition to Sugu and Tschaudjo, commanded by Oberleutnant Viktor Graf von Zech, was activated on 6 January 1896.  In late-1895, Sugu had been attempting to exert its’ independence by considering to become a part of the French colonies.   On 10 February 1896, at the fortress of Sugu, the head chief agreed to a treaty with Oberleutnant Graf von Zech which placed Sugu under German rule.  Afterwards, the Troops marched towards Paratau and Tschaudjo which quickly capitulated.  There was one action near Tashi which resulted in native casualities and a few wounded Troops.  Later in the year, there was further problems at Sugu (for which the TOGO 1896/97 clasp was awarded).  Please see:  http://reviews.ebay.com/TOGO-1896-97-clasp_W0QQugidZ10000000003190896 
• 3 to 5 September 1896:  A forced march from Sebbe to Czipuli (in eastern Togo) to demonstrate German control of the area (and to abate the French influence in the area) under the command of Oberleutnant Graf von Zech.  There were some skirmishes near Czipuli but the specific details have not been located.
• 29 September to 11 December 1896:   A Campaign against the Dagomba ( Leutnant Philipp Freiherr von Seefried, commanding) and an Expedition to the town of Sansanne Mangu (Oberleutnant G. Thierry, commanding with Dr. Hans Gruner as Chief Medical Officer).  The Dagomba and the area around Sansanne Mangu were considering becoming part of the French colonies when Oberleutnant Graf von Zech ordered the Troops deployed on 29 September 1896. 
• Leutnant Freiherr von Seefried’s Troops departed in November from Paratau and marched in the general direction of Sugu (via Bassari, Dako, Bafilo and Semere) to demonstrate German control of the area.   Leutnant Freiherr von Seefried secured a treaty at Semere (8 December) and established a small station at Sugu (10 December), which was close to the main town of Wangara. 
• Oberleutnant Thierry and Dr. Gruner’s Expeditionary Troops were ordered to establish a station at Sansanne Mangu.  During this march, Expeditionary Troops under Oberleutnant von Massow and Polizeimeister Heitmann were sent via Kete-Kratschi to Yendi (beyond Sansanne Mangu).  All of the Expeditionary Troops were to converge on Yendi.  There were two actions near Bimbila, an action near Bambalaga (at Abido the Nanumba and Dagomba were routed), and the fortified town of Yendi was stormed by the combined Expeditionary Troops, which resulted in considerable casualities to the natives.   The Expeditionary Troops sustained some casualities (few were killed but the total expedition had a number of casualities due to combat, sickness, and injury).  The Expeditionary Troops arrived at Sasanne Mangu on 11 December 1896 and established a small Police Station (Polizeimeister Heitmann was designated to be in charge of the Togo Police Detachment) as well as a small temporary hospital with Dr. Hans Gruner as the Principle Medical Officer. 

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 (over 50) and Africans who were attached.  Less than 750 Togo Police Troops were authorized this clasp and possibly half  (or as few as a quarter) received the TOGO 1896 clasp in 1912 (along with any other clasp entitlements).  It's interesting to note that many of the Germans received the 1897 Centenary Medal but this subject has not been researched in great detail.

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, a wide space between TOGO and 1896, 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.  One of the 4 most frequently seen Togo series clasps.

• In 1993, a clasp was sold in Germany for €218
• In Sep. 2006, a damaged clasp was offered in Germany for €500

Copies and forgeries are known.  Most copies (typically cast) were made for collectors or re-enactors who required an example.  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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