The TOGO 1900 clasp only 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 or French) but specialized history books are the best English language source.  Be aware that spelling differences are common.  An excellent reference is:  West-Afrika by Moritz Schanz (Berlin, 1903).  The clasp TOGO 1900 was awarded mainly to Togo Police Troops for five different operations: 

• 11 to 12 January 1900:  Two actions near the towns of Acheppe (Akepe, Aképé, or D’Akepe) and  Dedekpe (Debekpe) which were involved in some civil insurrection.  Dr. Heim was the German commander of this small force which patrolled the area slightly inland from the Togo coast.  Very little information has been located about these actions and considerable research is still required.
•  2 to 8 April 1900:  Campaign against the Dagomba in what is now far northeast Ghana (northwest Togo at this time).  There were 5 actions near Djabau, Napoa, Pasasi, Segbewa, Ssambu, and 3 skirmishes which resulted in casualties to both sides.  The Dagomba were very closely united with the Ashanti who were revolting against the British during this same period.  Almost all sources agree that this was not a Muslim vs. Christian revolt but one of rejection of German colonial power.
• 19 April to 14 May 1900:  Campaign against the Dagomba (allied with the Konkomba).  There were 2 actions near Gudjoni and Langbani which resulted in a number of killed and wounded Dagomba as well as a few wounded Togo Police Troops.  Combined operations at Oti (an allied Konkomba town). The Kakomba had been quite demoralized after their 1898 defeat and were not prepared for another confrontation with the German authorities.

• May 1900:  Expedition against the Kabure (Kapure) in eastern Togo.  There were 2 actions at Tschätschau and Lau which resulted in Kabure casualties and a few wounded Troops.

• May 1900:  Combat with residents of the small village of Lama-Tessi, who had been involved with the Togo Police Troops in September 1899.   There was one action near Scau with the storming of the cliff-dwellers of Kuda, Tossima, Tjajala, and Faren which resulted in a number of killed and wounded as well as a few wounded and accidentally injured Togo Police Troops.

Many of the Togo Police Troops (and Europeans) were noted as being particularly susceptible to sleeping sickness in 1900 which impacted the number of Troops that could be deployed effectively. It is also interesting to note that in 1900, the German Colonial Government imposed direct rule on Togo north of the coastal settlements and began a very heavy handed approach the continuous revolts and banditry.  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 (possibly 30) and Africans who were attached.  Less than 600 Togo Police Troops were authorized this clasp and possibly half received the TOGO 1900 clasp in 1912 (along with any other clasp entitlements).  It's interesting to note that many of the Germans had 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 1900, 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 €195
• In Jan. 2006, a clasp was offered in Germany for €275

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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