This pendant is similar in form and materials to many others made by French prisoners in England during the Napoleonic Wars. Between 1793 and 1814, more than 120,000 French soldiers and sailors were held in English prisons. Using whatever materials were handy—animal bones, mattress straw, paper, even their own hair—many of the prisoners created small pictures to sell or trade for food, clothing, or bedding. 

Imprisoned French Masons were allowed to form lodges and may have created pendants like this one to remember their fraternal lessons, instruct new members, or identify lodge officers. The items made appealing souvenirs for English Masons, who might have purchased or traded for them with the prisoners.

The pendant shows Masonic symbols in a typical formation including a pair of columns with three steps in-between, an altar with square and compasses on an open Bible, an all-seeing eye, a coffin, and several working tools along each side. This arrangement is seen on many Masonic forms from aprons to certificates to tracing boards and reminds members of the values taught in the lodge.