old and new ignition switches

The old ignition switch failed to make contact in the "start" position. I tried to adjust its position, but the switch would not work. After installing the new switch, it cranks right up. Originally I had suspected that the neutral safety switch had failed, but after jumpering the purple pair plug, I found the NSS was not the problem. Curiously, the old ignition switch had paint on it, like it was installed prior to the steering column being painted. Hmm?