Q: A friend has this watch fob that she says is over 100 years old. The upper chain has a broken link and a connecting link to the horseshoe. We aren’t sure what the metal is or what the horse's head is made of–maybe some type of stone or glass? I would like to purchase this fob for my collection but cannot find any information or value to make a fair offer. Can you help?

A: Watch fobs were popular during Victorian times and just after. It looks like the horseshoe and horse's head on this fob are made of mother-of-pearl. A Victorian-era horseshoe and horse-head mother-of-pearl watch fob with gold-filled accents was recently offered online for $795, but it’s slightly different from this one–the horse’s head has an articulated mane and a smaller upright ear and the horse is wearing blinders. Without seeing the watch fob in person and knowing what materials it’s made of, it’s impossible to give a value. Your friend’s fob should be seen by a knowledgeable collector or dealer to determine the fair value. Similar watch fobs have sold for $600 to $795.