What’s this strap for on the manual transmission hump

right now I have a e body pistol grip with a standard Hurst boot, i do also have the factory oval chrome bezel and boot with the factory shifter... I never ran the factory oval I think I may try it I think you are on to something. The square Hurts boot trim sits right beside that metal strap
Someone knows for sure...it sure isn't me. Thanks for your thoughts. I don't have the one behind the tunnel in my bucket seat car. Maybe the year matters as we had no bench seats.