Interesting hybrid between a chain whip and a manriki-gusari (or perhaps a chain spear?).
The classical chain whip has links about the size of the end darts, and it moves like a chain. The kusari has a lighter chain with heavier heads, and it moves like a flail. This one is in between, because those links appear light enough that this weapon will move like a kusari, but the joints have so many corners that (I'm guessing) it would really hurt to use the traditional wrapping motions (say around your arm or leg) to redirect its motion. Kusaris and chain whips usually have fairly smooth links, just to protect the wielder.
In any case, I'd guess early 20th century, or late 19th century. This was the golden age of Chinese martial arts, and a number of more exotic weapons showed up then.
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