The symbols on many love spoons were carved to carry a message to the person receiving the gift. Usually they consist of a well known pattern of hearts, wheel and other motifs. These 19th century mahogany keys are more ambiguous. Do they represent the keys to unlock a lady's heart and the whistle to call her lover to her? Or are they the work of a prisoner thinking of a way out of his gaol? During the Napoleonic wars of 1793-1815, many French soldiers were captured and imprisoned in England. They often made trinkets which they sold in order to buy food and drink.