Only The TOGO 1897 clasp is addressed in this guide. The Imperial German Colonial Medal (Kolonialdenkmünze), which carried this clasp, 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 1897 was awarded mainly to Togo Police Troops for four different operations:  

• April to May 1897:  Punitive Expedition against the Basari.  One of the main towns of the Basari was stormed and captured.
• 23 to 26 September 1897:  Invasion against Basilo.
• 10 to14 November 1897: Actions against the forest villages on the eastern border of the Sokodé District.  Basilo and Cambole were stormed by the Togo Police Troops which resulted in native causalities and a few wounded Troops.
• November to December 1897:  These dates actually cover 2 different events:
• Subduing the rebel town of Mangu.
• A campaign to Dschobowa und Kundja.  There was one action by Dschobowa which resulted in native causalities and a few wounded Troops and many skirmishes.

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 30, possibly 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 1897 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 15 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 1897, 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 Feb. 2001, a clasp was offered in Germany for €300
• In Sep. 2006, a clasp was offered in Germany for €300
• In Sep. 2006, a clasp was sold in Germany for €250
• In Nov. 2006, a clasp was offered in Germany for €350
• In Dec. 2006, a clasp was offered in the USA for $50 - Suspected forgery or copy
• In Jan. 2007, a clasp was offered online in Germany for €300+ - suspected forgery or copy
• In Feb. 2007, a clasp was sold in Germany for €300

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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