Vehicle Control Unit Appraisal

Western Snow Plow Control/Joystick

The item is a handheld control unit, likely for a snow plow or similar hydraulic accessory, branded 'WESTERN'. It features a central joystick-style lever for directional control ('LEFT' and 'RIGHT') and vertical operation ('LOWER' and 'FLOAT'). Below the joystick, there is an 'ON/OFF' toggle switch, indicated by a small red button. The casing appears to be made of a rigid, light-colored plastic or metal, possibly painted. The current color is an off-white or cream, heavily soiled with dirt and grime, suggesting prolonged use in an outdoor or harsh environment. Text and graphics are printed in black, indicating the functions of the controls. Notably, there's a reference to a U.S. Patent No. '3,999,935' visible on the lower right of the control panel, which can help date the manufacturing period or design. A thick electrical cable is seen exiting the right side of the unit, implying it is a wired control. The overall condition shows significant wear and tear consistent with heavy industrial or commercial application, including surface scratches, fading of print, and accumulation of debris. Despite the visible dirt, the controls appear intact, and the overall construction suggests a robust design built for durability. The ergonomic design of the joystick handle, though worn, indicates it was intended for comfortable grip. The unit is compact enough to be held in one hand, as demonstrated in the image.