As to the OP question, 6 volt starter drives and armatures have straight splines, so the drive doesn't rotate as the lever is pushed. That was changed in mid-year 1955 with the 12 volt starter, which has angled drive lugs that rotate the gear a little as the pedal is pushed. It's possible the teeth on the drive unit and/or the flywheel have gotten worn flat, resulting in the gear jamming against the flywheel teeth instead of the gears meshing. The starter armature isn't supposed to begin turning until the gears are fully meshed. That is determined by the geometry between the shift linkage and the push button on the starter housing.
Jerry
