An Tir Circlet Conventions

Original compiled and composed by Lord Frederic Badger, May XXXIV/1999. This version editted by Oddr Þiálfason, Dec LII/2017

This document is an attempt to collect and make easy to understand the circlet conventions used here in An Tir. Its a sort of "what do I get to wear with my AoA?", "What is that pointy thing he's wearing, and what does it mean?" type of document. I hope its easy enough to understand, and that it's of use.

The main source of docuementation is of course The An Tir Handbook, ruling of the Laurel office, and discussion with notable Peers of the Realm.

These are largely recommendations. The principle in play here is not to appear of higher rank than you hold.

Laurel Sovereign also stated, long ago, that the right to regalia earned in one kingdom is not usurped by the traditions of another. This is a recognition of the time, money, and affection that goes into regalia. Along with that, however, was a suggestion that those moving to another kingdom eventually seek to conform.

Unranked

A plain, unadorned circlet is perfectly reasonable. To quote the Laurel Sovereign of Arms, in their October 1998 Letter: "We also want to reiterate something a number of our predecessors said. Anyone in the SCA, of whatever rank or status, may wear a thin metal band such as the type that is used to hold hair in its place or to hold a veil in its place."

We would recomend no more than an inch high, with no adornment or engraving of any kind. The circlet should also be flat across the top with no ups and downs, to help eliminate confusion with the entitlements of Royal peerage.

Award of Arms

By convention, you can have a single stone mounted on the face (not above the band, as that would start to look like something else), and engraving and decoration on the circlet. There are three awards that carry with them an Award of Arms: Court Baron/Baroness, Landed Baron/Baroness, and, of course, the Award of Arms.

Court Barony and Territorial Barony

The award of a Court Barony, or serving as coronet of a territorial barony, carries with it (if not already awarded) an Award of Arms. But by kingdom convention, a coronet consisting of a band surmounted by 6 pearls may be worn.

Baronial branches typically have coronets with their branch arms for their nobles to wear.

Grant of Arms

At this level you earn the right to an even fancier version of the plain circlet. You may have several stones mounted on the face, and even more decoration if you so wish. There are a number of honors in the kingdom which convey a Grant of Arms, such as the Goutte de Sang, Grey Goose Shaft, Jambe de Lion, White Scarf, and the Hasta Leonis. Some kingdoms give bare Grants of Arms as well.

Patent Orders

Orders of the Laurel and Pelican

Members of the Order of the Pelican or the Order of the Laurel may wear a circlet which bears the badge of their order. Members belonging to both simultaneously sometimes encircle the pelican with a laurel wreath.

Royal Peers

Viscomital rank

Per Laurel in November of 1991, there is no standard coronet for viscomital rank. Da'ud ibn Auda had this to say: "As noted in the cover letter of December 2, 1984, and the LoAR of December 15, 1985, 'There is no "standard" viscomital coronet, either as a physical entity or an heraldic convention.' Viscounts and Viscountesses may use the default heraldic coronet (a crown indented of three points) if they so choose."

Comital rank

In the same letter in which Laurel re-iterated the plain circlet for anyone, they also mentioned some other regalia that is registered. (Fieldless) A coronet embattled. is reserved for persons of comital rank. This is the form that coronet of rank takes as well.

Ducal rank

Also in this letter, they mentioned other regalia that is registered. (Fieldless) A coronet with strawberry leaves. is reserved for persons of ducal rank. This is the form that coronet of rank takes as well.