Very few if any really left the shop without scales. That is a myth that for some reason folks keep talking about. It more than impractical w/o scales. It is barely practical with scales, a very small handle. Anyone can take an early Astro and take the scales off. Wa la, an Astro w/o scales. Much to do about nothing.

Bill's brown is the "production" knife probably circa 64-65.

Below is one that I recently picked up that belong to a Mercury Program doctor and John Glenn's personal doctor. You will note the differences in the handle color, bolt placement, and block Randall lettering.