This Award was created at the 10th Pennsic War and was given to those gentles who gave a significant contribution to the war effort. It was initially bestowed only for service directly related to fighting and archery for the Barony's martial efforts on behalf of the Middle Kingdom at Pennsic. It was traditionally only given out at the Septentrian court at Pennsic. Its first recipients were Helmut of Greenland and Broder from Castle Rouge.

Since the inception of Ealdormere as a Kingdom, Ealdormere has been able to fight on its own behalf. This led to the Bear's Claw being given for any martial activity and support wherever and whenever Septentria goes to war for Ealdormere. It is now bestowed at any Septentrian Court to recognize war efforts.