Bavarian 7th Chevauleger Regiment Silver Presentation Notebook – 70th Birthday Tribute to Prince Alfons of Bavaria

This is a remarkable and historically significant silver presentation notebook gifted to commemorate the 70th birthday of Prince Alfons of Bavaria (1862-1933), the honorary regimental commander (Regimentsinhaber) of the Königlich Bayerisches 7. Chevauleger-Regiment "Prinz Alfons". The presentation piece was given by the regiment's officers, military medical personnel, and veterinary officers as a token of appreciation and loyalty.

The notebook features a solid silver cover adorned with an intricately engraved royal cipher, crowned with the Bavarian royal crown, surrounded by a finely detailed oak and laurel wreath. Below the cipher is a deeply engraved German dedication:

"IHREM DURCHLAUCHTIGSTEN REGIMENTSINHABER ZUM 70. GEBURTSTAGE IN ALTER UNWANDELBARER TREUE UND VEREHRUNG DIE OFFIZIERE, SANITÄTS- UND VETERINÄROFFIZIERE DES K.B. 7. CHEVAULEGERS-REGIMENTS PRINZ ALFONS"

(Translation: "To their most serene regimental commander on his 70th birthday, in old unwavering loyalty and admiration, the officers, medical, and veterinary officers of the Royal Bavarian 7th Chevauleger Regiment 'Prince Alfons.'")

The exterior of the notebook has a textured green leather covering, which exhibits natural aging, adding to its authenticity. The interior reveals a pad of unused paper, indicating it was intended for functional or ceremonial use.

Historical Significance:

Prince Alfons of Bavaria, a distinguished Bavarian royal and military leader, held honorary command of the 7th Chevauleger Regiment, one of the elite light cavalry units of the Bavarian Army. This presentation piece was gifted to him by the regiment’s officers, highlighting his esteemed status and their enduring loyalty. The Chevauleger regiments were an integral part of Bavaria's military heritage, serving both in ceremonial and battlefield roles.

Such personalized regimental gifts were rare and typically reserved for high-ranking nobility or esteemed officers, making this a unique collector’s item with deep historical connections.

Condition:

• Overall: Very good condition for its age, showing an attractive patina on the silver cover, which could be polished if desired.
• Engraving: Crisp and well-preserved with excellent legibility.
• Exterior Leather Cover: Moderate wear and scuffing, consistent with age.
• Interior Paper: Largely intact with minor discoloration.
• Hinges: Functioning properly.

Display Suggestions:

• Museum or Collector's Showcase: Ideal for a collection focused on Bavarian royalty, Imperial German cavalry regiments, or military presentation pieces.
• Framing or Shadow Box Display: The notebook could be elegantly presented in a frame to showcase the engraved dedication.
• Historical Study & Research: A valuable research piece for those interested in Bavarian military traditions and regimental gifts of the late Imperial German period.

This silver presentation notebook stands as a testament to Bavaria’s military and aristocratic traditions, making it a remarkable acquisition for collectors of royal memorabilia, Imperial German artifacts, or rare cavalry regiment items.