Edison DD Crank Question

[ChesterCheetah18]

I bought an Edison A-100 DD machine yesterday. I didn’t need another DD machine, but it had the record storage drawer, and the price was right.
What I found odd was the crank. The knob is brass, not wood. The machining is perfect, and it doesn’t appear to be a home DIY repair. I haven’t seen another one like it. I would appreciate any thoughts.

Steve