Hello everyone, just wanted to make sure I have the year of my bike correct for the title.  Both the serial numbers on the frame and motor fall soundly in the 1956 range on this sites awesome database.  The model differences (also awesome) point to 1956 as well.  Please take a look at the photos and see if this seems right.  The engine is locked up so I didn't assemble it completely for the photo.  Let me know if you need images of anything not shown to aid in dating the motorcycle.
I'm not sure what the button on the left floorboard is except possibly a dimmer switch. 
I would also like to know what was mounted on the handlebars.  Maybe a mirror? 
Lastly, would the model be listed as automatic? 
Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks