Cane with brass looking emblems on them. What are these and other questions

[Lloyd Levine]

They appear to be written in German.

Are these "tourist" related items that one might have purchased when visiting these locations ?

There is also name carved on this. Any idea whether this was the owners name or the town/place the cane was purchased from ?

I see that the end of this cane has a metal point on it. Is this for self defense or for picking up items ?

[LB Laub]

It's a German walking stick. The little metal plates are called stocknagels. They are hiking badges that are acquired when traversing specific areas. The tradition began in the Alps. My guess is that the pointy end was to stick into the ground to gain traction in more treacherous hills.

[Lloyd Levine]

Awesome info !!

Thanks !