What is a double Albert chain?

It is a specific style of antique watch chain featuring two equal lengths of chain hanging from a central T-bar. One end clips to the pocket watch. The other end holds a secondary item in the opposite waistcoat pocket. The central T-bar slots through a middle buttonhole. This arrangement keeps both sides balanced across the chest.

I have this chain with a clip at one end and a bar at the other but it seems too short to reach a pocket, what was it for?

You likely have a lapel chain rather than a standard waistcoat version. These shorter chains were designed to hang straight down from a jacket lapel buttonhole into a breast pocket. They became common when waistcoats fell out of daily use. Men still wanted to carry their pocket watches safely without dealing with long loops of chain.

Can I wear it as a necklace?

Many people buy them specifically to wear around the neck. The old dog clips adapt well to holding modern pendants. They often sit tight to the collarbone.

There is a small extra bit of chain dropping down from the middle of the main links, what was supposed to hang from that section?

That short length is known as the fob drop. It was designed to hold small everyday items that a gentleman might need quickly without digging into his pockets. People used them to carry pocket watch winding keys, wax seals, or small silver vesta cases for matches. In later years they became decorative. Men attached gold sovereigns, fraternity emblems, or sporting medals just for show.

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Antique Watch Chains from the 19th Century

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Antique watch chains are varied metal links fitted with swivels and T-bars, designed to secure a pocket watch to a waistcoat or lapel while keeping the timepiece accessible for daily use.