Hi, Janey - thanks for your thoughts on this great-grandmother Tillie of mine! I learned to drive on a stick shift, around 1968 or thereabouts. My poor "instructors" came close to whiplash more than once, I'm afraid!
I've wondered about it being used for some type of manufacturing, you can tell it has seen a lot of use (I think) by all the chipping and wear on the decals. Not sure if that qualifies as more use, but... Also interesting is your (and Cathy's) interest in the belt outside of the hand wheel. I'm loving any and all feedback, because I've so often wondered what kind of life it's had before me!
Thanks,
Jonee