This guide will cover only the TOGO 1903 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).   It is interesting to note that this was the last clasp authorized for the Kolonialdenkmünze.

The clasp TOGO 1903 was awarded mainly to Togo Police Troops (most of whom were stationed in the Bassari area) for the 23 January to 3 February 1903 Punitive Expedition against the Tamberma (of the Ga people) and the Lamba (of the Garenganze people, sometimes spelled Lambe) in hilly north-north-east Togo, near the Ghana border, who were refusing to be dominated by the German colonial rule.  There was one action near Ponde which resulted in a few casualities to the natives.  This was basically a continuation of the 1902 Punitive Expedition almost 8 months prior.  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 500 Togo Police Troops were authorized this clasp and possibly half  received the TOGO 1903 clasp in 1912 (along with any other clasp entitlements). 

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 1903,  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 €205

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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