Sword

This came from the same person i purchase the short knife /dagger/african weapon from ,again it was her fathers and he had pick it up on his travels while he was in the RAF . The sword is 42inches long and very heavy ,the handle is wrap in a faded blue flat cord looks original for period and age it would appear to be a 2 hand sword (small hands) but whats its purpose any ideas? I think it could a Chinese Beheading Sword ? ,had i not purchase it from the lady she was going to scrap it , i personally think it was worth saving