Chinese sword: real or fake?

[Tatyana Dianova]

I have bought this sword at the local antique fair. The seller claimed that it was brought to him by the grandson of the German officier that served in China during the Boxer Rebellion.
It seems to be the genuine sword: the blade have some battle nicks, was definitely resharpened, was bent and straightened afterwards. It feels in hand and looks like a real battle blade, has 2 grooves, some old black patina and is made from damascus steel (it is clearly evident from the wavy patina near the cutting edge and patina circles inside the grooves). The wood handle is covered with cord, which is very old and often tears from the simple touch. The cord was painted blue - you may still see the rest of the paint. The fittings are brass and show dragons theme. I have cleaned them a bit. The scabbard is very simple and is made of 2 pieces of black laquered wood.
But I still have my doubts: it is CHINESE sword and I haven't seen anything like this anywhere else. Any opinions about age and provenance?