Interesting question Philly - I think you might have to ask Tim and the boys...
I checked my Blackguard order confirmation email (July 2008) just now, and I picked "Neck Cover Nickel Plain", but the shop doesn't seem to offer that on the drop-down anymore. There's "Chrome Plain", "Gold Plain", and "Uncovered".
Obviously if you want Chrome or, horror, "Gold", Plain you won't have to ask... but if/when I get another set looks like I might need to.
Of course, it is always possible that mine are actually chrome because they don't do nickel and the drop-down was wrong when I ordered!! :lol: