Padsumbalin Panabas...

[zelbone]

Decent panbases are hard to find. Dealers are your best bet, but you have to pay dealer prices which sometimes is comparable to eBay considering the demand and competition for rarer Moro pieces. I picked up a few years ago a decent old panabas on eBay sort of mis-listed as a "Pacific Dagger." I got it at a steal considering I've paid more for a few of my gunongs . But maybe within the last year I lost out on a extremely rare and long double-edged padsumbalin panabas mis-listed as an "African Machete." I thought I had it locked since it was mislisted and the photo was not too great. That one went close to 4 digits !!! I wasn't anywhere near that final bid. Oh well, back to the gun shows.

[Federico]

Found the ivory tip on the handle interesting. Makes me wonder how lavish some of these pieces once were. On examining the Panabas that I own, I can see evidence of former metal bands and butt-cap (there are nail holes visible from where these bands once were, as well as the shadow in the patina from where the bands were). Makes me wonder, as to what level of extravagence panabas rose to. Ive seen a few with metal bands, this is the first Ive seen with a ivory tip, but what other lavish touches are out there? I must admit, I have never really been into panabas, though after finally getting one I greatly regret that fact as it is a dream to handle, but I have generally only seen plainer panabas hilts on older pieces. Rattan wraps, occaisional carving (usually just Xs and lines), and sometimes plain iron bands. Has anyone who has seen more panabas, seen traditional examples (as we have all seen guady tourist versions) with lavish fittings?

[Ian]

Here are pictures of an older example that I posted some time ago on the old EEWRS Forum. This is probably a Tausug (Sulu) panabas, with a handle covered in brass rings that have some simple inscribed designs.

This one came from an old Philippines collection via a dealer in Manila whom I have known and bought from for more than 10 years. I am confident it is a 19th C. example based on the provenance provided by this dealer.

Ian.

[Battara]

Well I'm not saying mine has "ornate" bands, but they are white metal, unusual for a panabas still. It formally belonged to Cato and the spine of 15 "x"s is pictured in his book, p.92, photo #58.

Say, is it me or is there a theme? So far, the ornate ones (excluding those used exclusively for war) appear to be what Cato calls the "scimitar" bladed types.

[Federico]

Originally Posted by Battara

Say, is it me or is there a theme? So far, the ornate ones (excluding those used exclusively for war) appear to be what Cato calls the "scimitar" bladed types.

Interesting observation, wish I could comment, but having not really seen or studied many panabas, I cant form an opinion as to trends, or if it is just our collections that is throwing off patterns. I would be curious to hear if this is other's experience as well.

[Rick]

Not much fancy work on either of these .
A small decorative carved band on the small one is about it .
No signs of former glory either .

[Federico]

Originally Posted by Ian

Here are pictures of an older example that I posted some time ago on the old EEWRS Forum. This is probably a Tausug (Sulu) panabas, with a handle covered in brass rings that have some simple inscribed designs.

This one came from an old Philippines collection via a dealer in Manila whom I have known and bought from for more than 10 years. I am confident it is a 19th C. example based on the provenance provided by this dealer.

Ian.

I would be interested in knowing why you feel this is probably a Tausug panabas. Cato seems adamant in his book that the panabas that he could not find any concrete evidence that the weapon was used in the Sulu Sultanate.