Miguel,
Totally agree with Rick's excellent assessment of these swords, and most interesting examples.
The hole in the grip is a distinctively Qing affectation used to lace through a tassle, which was often regarded as embellishment in swordsmanship exhibitions in the Boxer Rebellion period as well in later occupation.
The jian was indeed a civilian weapon, many regarded as a key accoutrement for scholars, odd as it sounds.
The jian with the distinctive yellow tortoise shell material it seems that I have been told that material was often used in swords for diplomatic or presentation type gifts.
The dao with crudely fullered blade, as noted, likely village work. This rather munitions grade form of weapon indeed was often brought back from campaigns and occupying forces in China, and reflects innovation and skills of self styled armorers in remote and rural areas on volatile times.
This one has been well cleaned and grip well rewound from the cord which probably was long gone.
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