Panabas

kino · 4th April 2013, 01:24 AM

Robert - A new addition, got it on Easter Sunday. I went to a Flea Market to look at an Indian sword and saw this in a glass case.

Spunjer - A Moke would have no problems handling it but to a Moro... well the seller told me it's attributed to a Moro named Gul-ayat

It's a hair over 1/2 thick at the ricasso.

Charles - Thanks, I was really surprised when I saw it. I didn't want to show my excitement to the seller and kept talking to him about the Indian sword.

Robert · 4th April 2013, 01:43 AM

Hello Kino, Could you possibly post a photo of the wire wrapping and bands on the hilt?
Best,
Robert

Sajen · 4th April 2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kino

Robert - A new addition, got it on Easter Sunday. I went to a Flea Market to look at an Indian sword and saw this in a glass case.

WOW, I wish we have flee markets like this in Germany where you can find monster beauties like this!

I am with Robert, I want one!!!

kino · 5th April 2013, 03:09 AM

Robert, Here is a photo of the wire wrap. It's looks like bailing wire to me. Wish it were silver.

Sajen, The grass is not always greener on the other side. Although I would like to hit Flea Markets (car boot sales in the UK?), in the EU.

Why is the size overstated? Was it to signify ones rank?

Battara · 5th April 2013, 04:00 AM

One thing is that significantly smaller ones were used in combat, according to Cato.

The larger ones were used for beheading, yes, but think about the warning it would give - standing next to the datu in court would give the impression that he meant business so DON'T MESS WITH HIM! I would surmise that the bigger the piece, the bigger the message (as well as the size and skill to wield such a monster).

BTW - the wrap looks new to me.

Robert · 5th April 2013, 05:04 AM

I think Jose has nailed it on this one. It would be kind of like looking down the barrels of a 12 gauge shotgun, it is something that would definitely get and keep your attention.

Best,
Robert

kino · 5th April 2013, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

BTW - the wrap looks new to me.

Neither new judging by the nails used to secure the ends of the wire nor very old. Could be original to Panabas, with the heft of the blade, I don't know if rattan could be relied on to keep blade and hilt together during use so a wire wrap or steel bands would have been used. Then again the falling weight alone could take a limb off in 3 strokes.

CharlesS · 5th April 2013, 03:18 PM

I wonder if this massive old blade may have been remounted at some point in its life. Some of the decorative carving seems a little fresh, especially when compared to the other example. The tang is sticking out quite a bit as well. It would seem with such a massive heavy blade you would want every inch of the tang braced in some way, especially if it were going to be done with decorative wire and bands.

I agree with Battara...this is a "look at how big mine is" panabas, designed to impress more than employ. It certainly is no jungle cleaver, at least not dressed out as it is.

Regardless, magnificent, eye-catching example!

kino · 6th April 2013, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I wonder if this massive old blade may have been remounted at some point in its life. Some of the decorative carving seems a little fresh, especially when compared to the other example. The tang is sticking out quite a bit as well. It would seem with such a massive heavy blade you would want every inch of the tang braced in some way

I also question the remounting as well but, there are some traces of old lime in the okir.
I think this type/shape of Panabas blades with the protrusions nearest the tang is supposed to be set this way with the tang sticking out a bit. See the other 3 examples of Panabas' with the similar blade shape.

The size is imposing, I wonder how tall the fellow was that wielded this piece.
I guessing this was probably made in the first third of the 20th century. Thoughts?

5th April 2013, 03:09 AM	#4
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	Robert, Here is a photo of the wire wrap. It's looks like bailing wire to me. Wish it were silver. Sajen, The grass is not always greener on the other side. Although I would like to hit Flea Markets (car boot sales in the UK?), in the EU. Why is the size overstated? Was it to signify ones rank? Attached Images

4th April 2013, 01:24 AM	#1
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	Robert - A new addition, got it on Easter Sunday. I went to a Flea Market to look at an Indian sword and saw this in a glass case. Spunjer - A Moke would have no problems handling it but to a Moro... well the seller told me it's attributed to a Moro named Gul-ayat It's a hair over 1/2 thick at the ricasso. Charles - Thanks, I was really surprised when I saw it. I didn't want to show my excitement to the seller and kept talking to him about the Indian sword.

4th April 2013, 01:43 AM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Kino, Could you possibly post a photo of the wire wrapping and bands on the hilt? Best, Robert

5th April 2013, 04:00 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,270	One thing is that significantly smaller ones were used in combat, according to Cato. The larger ones were used for beheading, yes, but think about the warning it would give - standing next to the datu in court would give the impression that he meant business so DON'T MESS WITH HIM! I would surmise that the bigger the piece, the bigger the message (as well as the size and skill to wield such a monster). BTW - the wrap looks new to me.

5th April 2013, 05:04 AM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I think Jose has nailed it on this one. It would be kind of like looking down the barrels of a 12 gauge shotgun, it is something that would definitely get and keep your attention. Best, Robert

5th April 2013, 03:18 PM	#8
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I wonder if this massive old blade may have been remounted at some point in its life. Some of the decorative carving seems a little fresh, especially when compared to the other example. The tang is sticking out quite a bit as well. It would seem with such a massive heavy blade you would want every inch of the tang braced in some way, especially if it were going to be done with decorative wire and bands. I agree with Battara...this is a "look at how big mine is" panabas, designed to impress more than employ. It certainly is no jungle cleaver, at least not dressed out as it is. Regardless, magnificent, eye-catching example!