RIGID USA (Question re: riveted example)

[Sordavala]

Most of the vintage RIGID USA fixed-blade knives don’t have riveted scales. But the one, ended a month ago on -bay, had riveted scales...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rigid-USA-F...434?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item460b7b307a
Does it indicate an earlier production or a customized example?
Thank you in advance.

 

[Fernando A]

It is my understanding that the early pre-1976 Santee knives had the pined handles. later ones did not.

 

[Sordavala]

Thank you for this info.