Early Cruise Control??

[Tod59]

Hey Guys,

MY truck is a '59 fleetside 235ci with 3 speed on column.

In the picture (previous owner cut dash for after-market radio ) I plan on welding in the patch-panel to accept an original radio. Anyway, the black knob in the upper right on dash is some type of "cruise control". When I test drove the truck, in 3rd gear going down the road, the previous owner pulled this cable out and the truck went by it's self......no gas pedal needed until he pushed the cable in, then truck resumed normal operation of me pushing gas pedal.

Is this a factory option or something someone added in the last 46 years? If it's not factory, what originally went in that hole or location on the dash?

Thanks,
Tod