19thc Chinese naval dao - cutlass ??

[Maj-Biffy Snodgrass]

Much thanks for all your views everyone who has commented so far.

Werecow, you are correct in your observations, it is somewhat like a Viet guom but a bit more Chunky than any I have ever had, it is likely south Chinese so very close to Nam though.
All help and observations are duly noted, and much thanks to all again, I am still learning how to use this forum so bear with me please and do not take what may appears as a SHARPNESS of tongue in my answers the wrong way, I can assure you I mean no offence and it really is down to the way express myself in writing.

M Eley, much thanks also for your ideas, the link supplied I have seen many times, interesting stuff, but so far nothing like this sword appears anywhere there that I have seen as yet, the pirate connection is possible, but I go more with the idea of naval police or coastal guard as the sword definitely has a military or naval look to it and its scabbard which was originally red with white top and bottom section as can be seen from the old paint on the leather, in the coming winter I will try to get round to restoring the leather scabbard and returning it to as close as I can get it to the original.
It also might be good to add that the guard although not over thick I would say is hardened steel and sprung, so whoever made the sword knew his job well.
Thanks again to all. Snody