This type of sword is mentioned by Philip in the following post as a street performers tool.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=boxer
I think the example in the second picture is a modern reproduction.
I also think there is a lot of misinformation abound in modern Chinese martial art circles about the reality of historic weaponry. I have been personally trying to unravel this puzzle for my own understanding as one such martial artist for a long time. The problem is there seems to be somewhat of an institution of misinformation related to magazine publications and kung fu books etc. versus much credible scholarship. For the record I want to say how much I appreciate this forum as a venue to see and discuss real Chinese historic arms.