Hi Spunjer:
You were busy on your trip!
This panabas is not very old, I think, and probably Maranao in origin judging from the decorations on the brass. As you note, there are many light weight versions for sale in Manila that are really made for the tourist trade. But fighting or executioner's forms of the panabas are weapons that you pick up and instantly know that they were meant to cause serious bodily harm to someone. The agricultural forms of panabas are lighter, for obvious reasons, and easily distinguished from the weapons-grade versions.
Some of the older panabas were surprisingly light, partly because they were well balanced with respect to the weight distribution between the blade and handle, and more in the nature of large-bladed swords. But again, these are readily distinguished from the modern reproductions.
The biggest panabas I have is over 4 feet long and weighs about 5.5 lb. The large hilt is swollen at its end and makes up about half the overall length. The blade is massive (nearly 3/4 inch thick at forte), but it is surprisingly "fast" as a two-hander because of its balance.
The one you found seems to be a no nonsense piece, with sturdy construction, and should serve you and your family well in dispensing justice for years to come.
Make sure you keep it in a place of respect and well nourished so it will protect your home (see Cato for details).
