Three "Datu Panabas/es"

CharlesS · 11th November 2007, 02:20 AM

Cato refers to panabas/es carried by datu retainers, or bodyguards, that took on an intimidating look largely via size and appearance. I believe that these are just such panabas/es, and doubt they ever cut a bit of jungle foliage.

Each is very unique in its own way:

P-1 A shorter panabas, but elegant, and with a lovely twist core blade, and quality fittings.

P-2 A panabas with a massive, quality blade, and more excellent fittings.

P-3 The oddest panabas of the group, with rattan wrapped handle and quality mesh brass work. Most intriguing of all is the "tsuba" like pierced guard(!!!). The blade is super sharp on the bottom and just past the first half of the top. This one could have been handled in many different ways.

RSWORD · 11th November 2007, 03:06 AM

A most lovely group of Panabai!

Ferguson · 11th November 2007, 09:57 AM

Charles?
Wow.
Those are incredible.

Steve

carlos · 11th November 2007, 03:30 PM

CONGRATULATIONS!!! TRERE ARE A VERY BEATIFUL PANABAS!! YOU ARE A LUCKY MAN!!
BEST REGARDS
CARLOS

Tim Simmons · 11th November 2007, 07:17 PM

Super things. Another thing I need so badly

VVV · 11th November 2007, 07:31 PM

Congratulations Charles!

Three top pieces. I wonder if no 3 was inspired from the Japanese?
I haven't seen anything like it before.
Is the tsuba as old as the rest of the panabas, based on the patina?

Michael

Bill M · 12th November 2007, 03:14 AM

CharleS, These are absolutely outstanding! Especially like number 1! Just exquisite! Recently got a good panabas myself, will post it in another thread,

kino · 24th August 2008, 08:28 PM

I recently picked up a Panabas with a Tsuba like guard similar to CharlesS' P-3. I've been eyeing this for quite a while and decided to take the plunge. I etched the blade and am pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Wrapped around the handle under the pierced brass work is some fabric (Munsala?). It's older than it projects on the photos. It has been covered in lacquer, resulting in shiny brass.

chevalier · 24th August 2008, 08:31 PM

to quote paris hilton: "those are hot".

VVV · 24th August 2008, 08:41 PM

Another great one!

Really interesting with this "tsuba"-version of Panabas.
It seems logic to have a handguard...
Has anybody seen them before in any museums or in old books?

Michael

Battara · 24th August 2008, 09:34 PM

Congratulations Kino (you lucky jerk...er...I mean "guy")! You'd been eyeing it? Where did you find it?

11th November 2007, 02:20 AM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Three "Datu Panabas/es" Cato refers to panabas/es carried by datu retainers, or bodyguards, that took on an intimidating look largely via size and appearance. I believe that these are just such panabas/es, and doubt they ever cut a bit of jungle foliage. Each is very unique in its own way: P-1 A shorter panabas, but elegant, and with a lovely twist core blade, and quality fittings. P-2 A panabas with a massive, quality blade, and more excellent fittings. P-3 The oddest panabas of the group, with rattan wrapped handle and quality mesh brass work. Most intriguing of all is the "tsuba" like pierced guard(!!!). The blade is super sharp on the bottom and just past the first half of the top. This one could have been handled in many different ways. Attached Images Last edited by CharlesS; 11th November 2007 at 04:57 AM.

11th November 2007, 03:30 PM	#4
carlos Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 755	OHHH!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! TRERE ARE A VERY BEATIFUL PANABAS!! YOU ARE A LUCKY MAN!! BEST REGARDS CARLOS

24th August 2008, 08:28 PM	#8
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,020	I recently picked up a Panabas with a Tsuba like guard similar to CharlesS' P-3. I've been eyeing this for quite a while and decided to take the plunge. I etched the blade and am pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Wrapped around the handle under the pierced brass work is some fabric (Munsala?). It's older than it projects on the photos. It has been covered in lacquer, resulting in shiny brass. Attached Images

11th November 2007, 03:06 AM	#2
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,093	A most lovely group of Panabai!

11th November 2007, 09:57 AM	#3
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Charles? Wow. Those are incredible. Steve

11th November 2007, 07:17 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	Super things. Another thing I need so badly

11th November 2007, 07:31 PM	#6
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Congratulations Charles! Three top pieces. I wonder if no 3 was inspired from the Japanese? I haven't seen anything like it before. Is the tsuba as old as the rest of the panabas, based on the patina? Michael

12th November 2007, 03:14 AM	#7
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	CharleS, These are absolutely outstanding! Especially like number 1! Just exquisite! Recently got a good panabas myself, will post it in another thread,

24th August 2008, 08:31 PM	#9
chevalier Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 119	to quote paris hilton: "those are hot".

24th August 2008, 08:41 PM	#10
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Another great one! Really interesting with this "tsuba"-version of Panabas. It seems logic to have a handguard... Has anybody seen them before in any museums or in old books? Michael

24th August 2008, 09:34 PM	#11
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	Congratulations Kino (you lucky jerk...er...I mean "guy")! You'd been eyeing it? Where did you find it?