Observations about Current Crowns and Coronets

Lining and Padding

Most current coronets have some padding on the inside, to keep the metal from contacting the head, and to allow the coronet to be sized to one's head. For a personal coronet, the coronet's metal band can be made a specific size and then padding can be permanently affixed. For a ceremonial coronet or crown, such as the Crown of Caid or the coronet of a Territorial Baron, the padding needs to be changed for each new wearer. Here are some of the padding options currently (Nov. 2010) in use in Caid.

Attachment in many cases is glue or double-stick tape. That attachement method is removed by pulling it off and scraping off the residue.

• weather stripping. It is plastic, easily purchased, inexpensive, fairly thin but has some give, and comes with one sticky side to allow it to be pressed onto the metal band to affix it. It is removed by pulling it off and scraping off the residue.
• close-cell foam. It is plastic, in the kit of every hard-suit fighter, thicker than weather stripping, has some give. Looks modern when glimpsed above rim.
• leather. It was available historically, comes in various thicknesses (though still thin, and has a little bit of give. It was affixed to coronets in one of two ways: glued directly to the metal band (see above), or riveted to the bottom edge of the metal band, and curled upwards. The latter is a relatively permanent choice, but depending on the stiffness of the leather, provides some additional "give" because it is rolled up. Looks fine when glimpsed above rim.
• felt. It was available historically, comes in various thicknesses (though still thin), can absorb perspiration, and has a little bit of give. It tends to not slide when placed on a coif or veil. It was affixed to coronets with glue or double-stick tape.
• stuffed roll It was available historically, can be made in various thicknesses, can absorb perspiration, and has as much give as desired. Filling can be whatever is desired - at least one was filled with felt, but quilt stuffing or fleece is also possible. Some were affixed directly to coronets with glue or double-stick tape, others were sewed to a glued-on liner (the rolled up leather in one case, a piece of fabric in another).
  • velvet. Looks spiffy when glimpsed above rim.
  • linen. It tends to not slide when placed on a coif or veil. Looks fine when glimpsed above rim.