Only the TOGO 1901 clasp is covered 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 - there are some in French) but specialized history books are the best English language source.  Be aware that spelling differences are common.  An excellent contemporary reference is:  West-Afrika by Moritz Schanz (Berlin, 1903).   The clasp TOGO 1901 was awarded mainly to Togo Police Troops for four different operations: 

• 6 to 10 February 1901:  A Punitive Expedition against the Lamba-Tessi.  There was one action in the northern lands of the Lamba.  The Lamba (of the Garenganze people, sometimes spelled Lambe) lived in hilly north-north-east Togo, near the Ghana border, who were refusing to be dominated by the German colonial rule.  Lamba-Bu and Ssaude were stormed, which resulted in casualties to both sides. 
• March 1901:  A Punitive Expedition against Ssin.  There was one action near Kuku.  Little information has been located on this Punitive Expedition and requires further research.  Members of this expedition did not serve in the Alibi Punitive Expedition. 
• March 1901:  A Punitive Expedition against Alibi.  Alibi was stormed and there was an action near Gutjoni which resulted in casualties to both sides.  There were substantial injuries due to accidents and sickness which affected the Togo Police Troops.  Note that this Punitive Expedition has been documented fairly well – especially in contemporary German publications.  Photographs, journals, newspaper articles, etc. are available for the serious researcher.  Members of this expedition did not serve in the Ssin Punitive Expedition.

• May 1901:  Occupation of the Misahöhe District.  There were some skirmishes near Avhegame (south-southwest Togo, now on the Togo – Ghana border in Ghana) and many District patrols by the Togo Police Troops.

Many of the Togo Police Troops (and Europeans) were noted as being particularly susceptible to sleeping sickness which suddenly appeared in 1900 and it impacted the number of Troops that could be deployed effectively. It is also interesting to note that the year prior (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 Togo 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 500 Togo Police Troops were authorized this clasp and possibly half received the TOGO 1901 clasp in 1912 (along with any other clasp entitlements). 

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 1901, 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 €174  
• In Sep. 2004, a clasp was offered in Germany for €225

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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