Don't worry Joe. It'll get "patina'd" up again. I think this knife could have been made up to & including mid 70's...That's when the extra "reds" went away. I don't remember a tight-stitched roughback of this look in the 60's? Perhaps the "late" 60's as you noted. I don't have any examples of this sheath from that early. Too bad, cause it's always good to have reference...Oh well. Nice old, original example at any rate. (It will still be original...even cleaned...and besides: It'll drive ya' crazy, Joe...a win-win).
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: Joe...Call me...CCS