Great Videos
My Mom had one of these GE's, but of a later date, approx. 1949. The price, as I recall was $369.00. One difference was that there was a float device, made of cork, in the sump, when the water draining through the agitator shaft reached the proper level, it raised the float, activating a switch which caused the circulating pump to operate, instead of the metal device you mentioned. Occasionally lint, etc., collected and caused this to malfunction.
She didn't like the machine too well, as it was an 8 lb capacity tub, and felt the agitation was a bit weak.
Also, the hot fill added a bit of cold so that it would not go above 130 degrees. She liked it hotter.
She didn't keep it more than about two years and then switched to a Whirlpool.
They sure don't make them like this anymore.