Skooter,
Below are a couple of screenshots to help answer your question.
1st pic is from my reproduction 1947-54 FAM which shows the stomp starter setup details. See the lower right corner of the pic "View A" which shows a close up, including that spring with the original GM# 597417.
2nd pic is from a 1929-54 Chevrolet Master Parts and Accessories Catalog showing the identified part number as an "anti-rattle" spring.
It clearly belongs right where you found it.

Although the "anti-rattle" effectiveness is suspect after this many years - lol!

Dan
EDIT: Shaffer's1950 beat me to the punch - lol 