Chinese , Antique "Big Sword"

Description

Antique Chinese "Big Sword". These swords seem to have been produced in a variety of provincial arsenals in the late Qing Dynasty and continued until the Civil wars of the 1920's and would possibly have seen use in fighting the Japanese. This information was provided by  the Chinese man who sold us this sword 30 years ago and was based on stories told by his family. Further he claimed that  it was used in the Boxer Rebellion, but he had no documentation to support the claim.
The hilt is composed of an iron pommel and hand guard with a wood grip which is stippled for a non slip grip and a hole which was possibly for a lanyard. The iron is guard is lightly rusted
The blade is straight and wide without a fuller and is uncleaned. The scabbard appears to be tightly woven cane with a lacquer finish. There are two areas with noticeable finish loss on the scabbard, as shown. The toe of the scabbard is loose The scabbard furniture is tarnished brass.
Possibly a sword intended to be issued to enlisted personnel.
The blade is 28 3/4", the hilt is 6 3/4', the overall length 36"
This item ships only to a U.S. address