Greg -
It's interesting what you say about that knob. I almost wrote something similar above, in that when these models were popular that used this knob (1970 - 1974/5), I always thought they were fantastic. REALLY made me want a new machine. This was about the time when a small catalog store opened near our house and I could look at washers while Mom stood in line to get her order.
There was a lot of variation to this knob. It was used in all black/gray, all white, white skirt/chrome knob, black skirt/chrome knob, and all chrome. I think I like the all chrome ones best.
Each time I see one of these now, for a few moments I can feel the energy and excitement again of being 10 years old and fascinated by everything washing-machine.
Gordon