Soft, rounded pad. The scroll is for decoration and better grip. Some versions have an extra hole in the scroll that can be used for prying the bridge pins out when you change strings. Jr. Manufactured by Kyser . Here the spring itself presses against the back of the instrument neck.
Tension is applied and released with the sleeve lever.
The pad is seated in a slot, very easy to change. US patent 1980 by James W Wilkerson. Liberty Bringe Aluminum banjo capo. Leather padding is not original. No patent found.