Croatian History and the 8 pointed star

[Mike Mercier]

This is a sort of off the forum question, but I dont know where else to post it. I am trying to find out the significance of the 8 pointed star in Croatian history. The little information I could find was that it was used a lot in the 16th century and prior, but as to how and when it was first used is not known to me.
The reason I ask goes back to postings I have made in the past trying to identify an excavated 16th century sword from Hungary. The pommel
has that star on it and after reading more on the major battle at the castle it was excavated at I found that Croatian soldiers were part of the defending force.
Thanks for any help!

Mike Mercier

[Russ Mitchell]

but if you email me, I'll put it under my wife's nose... She's an archaeologist and hungarian. I know some things, but not enough to answer your question.

[Mike Mercier]

Hi Russ, we have talked about my sword before and I'm pretty sure you have seen the site. But again, the page devoted to my sword is http://www.geocities.com/mercierarmory/hungarian.html

This is the one I purchased in Budapest a couple years ago. For some reason it seems hard for people to put a value on it so I have decided since I dont plan to get rid of it anyways I want to find out as much as I can about it, the significance of that star and the possible age of the weapon.

My theory is that although the battle in Szigetvar happened in 1566 and this weapon could have been lost then, the design of it seem to date earlier than that (perhaps 100 years?)

Thanks as always Russ,

Mike