that is a factory model. here is a few pics from a 1997 catalog. the 3/8 was a 45177 and 1/2 was a 42177. there was not a 1/4 with a hard handle
So, it was during the FACOM era (1985-2005).
And too bad they didn't do it in 1/4". I love S-K roundheads, but the 1/4" is way too small for me if my hands are greasy. A hard-handle like that would have made all the difference.
Now it's too late - I've graduated to Harbor Freight! (And it rhymes!)