West-Cut fixed blade

[BigAl62]

Here's a West-Cut that I just picked up in a flea market. I just couldn't leave it locked in that glass showcase! It has the tang stamp of WEST-CUT over Boulder, COLO. over PAT. NO. 1,967,479. I know the patent was for the bifurcated tang, not the knife itself. Two questions:

1) Any idea of the age of the knife based on the 2 red starter spacers and the 2 brass intermediate spacers? (See how I avoided that dating question about bringing her flowers? I asked her age instead because I know she has to be at least 18!)

2) And ideas on tightening up the gapped spacers? It's interesting that the gaps are only at the brass spacers. I cleaned lots of verdigris (green corrosion) out of the gaps with a feeler guage and a toothbrush.

[zzyzzogeton]

It looks like an L44-5 from 1941, although the spacer pattern does NOT match the catalog pages. That MAY be due to being a WEST-CUT rather than a WESTERN line.

[BigAl62]

Thank you sir! Much appreciated information as always.

[Modern Slip Joints]

[...]
2) And ideas on tightening up the gapped spacers? [...]

Admitting you'd be wiser to wait for advise from a knie mechanic, I'll write what looks obvious. The leather has dried out and consequently shrunk. Boot oil, not Hubbard's boot grease but thinner oil might make the leather expand. Good luck.