(First photo is a composite, showing both sides.)
Since finding a beautiful 19th century whaler made ladies leg bodkin with baleen inlays a few months ago, I've been paying very close attention to bodkins! Bodkins were once common ladies implements, used for making lace, threading ribbon or cord through fabric casings--necklines, waistbands, etc, and more--and so were common sweetheart gifts, made at sea to bring home. One sees closed fists somewhat more often than open hands, and the red inlays here make me think perhaps this is Napoleonic prisoner of war (folk art crafted by captured French and allied soldiers between 1802 and 1815.) I am not certain, but it's a wonderful thing, with a nice bit of curve (bow) toward the pointed end, too.
4 1/8" long, very good condition.