Hi Gav,
While I have noted, these weapons are outside my usual field, I still share in the excitement while we await the arrival of your latest conquest!! I tried looking through what resources I have (including my treasured pile of Scott Rodell's catalogs!!) and found a little more on the history of these polearms.
As already discussed, the form of blade on this is termed 'guan dao' which is for the Chinese general Guan of Three kingdoms period (220-265 AD) with whom it is typically associated. It appears that there is some dispute on the first examples like this, and some insist they are first seen in the 7th century.
These are compared to the European fauchard, and in similar manner, some of the blades have been mounted in sword hilts, as in one example seen in one of the Rodell catalog's from 1995 (#1014/10). This example has a thinner blade, though of essentially the same basic profile.
Historically the Gen. Guan weapon was described as the 'green dragon crescent blade', and interestingly in more modern times, the Chinese infantry of the Han Green Standard Army used these weapons in Qing period.
The apparant lack of standardization suggested popularity in civilian martial arts, and it is noted that these were well known in Shaolin and Wudangquan schools of martial arts. (Wudang= refers to these mountains in Hubei province, quan= boxing or fist).
The extremely elaborate base holding the blade, of course suggests the ceremonial probability of this piece, as well as some of the observations on the blade features pending arrival, however, many votive or processional items from temples are very desirable (as this obviously!). If this proves to be such such an item out of a Shaolin temple and of Qianlong period it would be fantastic!!! ....doesnt need to be a 'combat' weapon.......has anyone ever seen what those Tibetan phur'pa go for ??!!
All the best,
Jim