Congratulations Emanuel on the beautiful piece.  Very interesting and puzzling piece.  insightful analysis by Ian and Philip.  I must say I'm not clear on this piece either...Chinese Tai mix from along the Yunnan, Lao and Vietnamese borders???  I thought perhaps too it was Vietnamese....but after Ian and Philips comments it seems like more of a Chinese influenced/ inspired piece.  The ferrule does reminds one somewhat of the hourglass/reflected lotus you see in Tai swords.  The one old Tai pattern I can pick out is ///\\\///\\\///\\\ band on the pommel just above the follage.
		 
		
		
		
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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