my guess is a aftermarket heater blower control switch. gets pretty cold back in the north east!

 

Has factory switches under the dash.

 

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!

The seller has replied to my inquiry and states that the device is a turn signal switch.

 

Oh Shoot, I knew that's what it was and I didn't get in on time!

These were very similar to the self cancelling, slow spring return type used on late mid to late 50 MGAs! You turn the **** and it slowly creeps back to off. For lane changes youcould turn it just a dash and hold it and it would turn off when released.

J!

 

Wow! Glad I didn't say anything - I thought it was for time travel.