Hi Brian,
This appears to be an example of the hudiedao paired swords indeed often used in China by martial artists, and sometimes associated with 'river pirates'. I think Gav would have much more information on these, but from my notes and what I have learned from him, these were from around the period noted, mostly 19th c.
A good reference I found was "Chinese Martial Arts Training" by Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Gao, 2005, which may be online as I know I dont have the book.
These martial artists were actually more security agencies practicing various forms of martial arts including wing chun as I understand.These martial artists would act as bodyguards or protection and hu yuan were the bodyguard and residential protection contingent, while zoubiao were those who guarded convoys and materials. Often the signature pennon or flag of these agents was flown, much in the manner of security warning signs in todays world, to ward off predators.
This seems quite likely to be a 'bringback' souvenier from perhaps the Taipei Rebellion in the 1860s or the Boxer Rebellion 1900.
Personally I think these are fascinating weapons with genuine formidable use by these martial artists in these settings, and in certain cases, many of these individuals did turn to the piracy circumstance.
Nice going!
All the best,
Jim
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