Hi Heather I could be horribly wrong here but I think it is part of a pocket or fob watch. My Grandfather had one (he was a Train Driver for the LMS) and the gold linked chain which attached the actual watch to his clothing was called the Albert Guard. Such watches come on the market quite cheaply I believe- my Grandfather's watch was stolen about 5 years ago by some-one hoping to make a lot of money but they would have been very disappointed as it was only a gold colour not the real McCoy. Best wishes Wendy Boland. My ancestors had an electroplate company in Birmingham. I think I have found a listing for them in a Birmingham trade directory. However, the entry is under "Albert Guards and Pendants". I have googled and searched but, although I have found references to Albert Guards in association with other jewellery, I am no closer to knowing what they are! I wonder if anyone has ever come across the term before and could explain what they are?!