http://madrone.equestrianguild.org/Articles/building_crests_for_mounted_combat.htm
I like their description of 15th C use of crests compared to SCA use:
'In the 15th century a form of the tournament was practiced called a "Kolbenturnier" or "Baston Course." Groups of mounted knights would attempt to bash each other's crests off while keeping their own intact.
In the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a version of this tournament has been developed. It is usually known as "Mounted Combat" or "Crest Combat." Unlike the original Kolbenturnier, in which wooden clubs called "Kolbens" or "bastons" were employed to destroy the opponents crest, we use padded "boffer" weapons and the crests are attached with velcro. A nice solid hit dislodges the crest.'
This group does equestrian work, and has adopted a modern approach to making low cost, light weight crests that attach by velcro. This is a far cry from the spectacular crests of Cenninni's era, with gold, feathers, jewels, leather and other treasures, but this method has a place in the SCA. It may not be showy, attractive or authentic, but it does provide safe, low cost ways for people to play at mounted combat.
Let's hope I can find a better method than Velcro to attach crests to my helm. Guess I'd better start reading up on Lochac Mounted Combat rules again... Nope, just recommends Velcro.
