Hey Jim, for some odd reason the dealer and auction world of the UK has been saturated with sword-sticks of late. The variety of blades used is legion; many full length, and some no more a a foot long. A heavily weighted top to the stick was also popular.
Of course, carrying either one is strictly illegal in this country where we have to give the criminals and the thugs a decent chance; anything else is hardly cricket, is it?
Your example is extremely rare; most are trefoil or slim lenticular.
I came across this example which mystified me for a while, not being privy to the traditions of societies. It was missing the vital element of course, but once revealed, the mystery was actually more stimulating than the explanation.
