Bit of a mystery and was wondering if anyone on the forum had some ideas...

A few weeks ago I bought an older sgian with sterling mounts and what may or may not be an ebony handle. The silver is stamped "T.E", and the hallmark is a lion rampant, castle, and script "D". I'm reading this as Scottish silver assayed in Edinburgh in 1978. I've been told that the T.E mark relates to Hamilton & Inches, which explains the basket pattern on the handle matching up with some modern examples produced by the Sgian Dubh Co. (who claim to employ a former H&I employee).

So far, so good. The problem I'm having is in trying to figure out if the handle is actually ebony (as the seller claimed) or composite. I don't have the experience with ebony sgians to know for sure, but I feel like the handle itself lacks both the density and presence of a grain pattern (uncarved back of handle is very black) I'd expect from a hardwood.

Here's the question - Was H&I producing composite handles in 1978 on their sterling sgians? Is there any way I can tell what material the handle is short of finding a reliable jeweler? Is there a ballpark value for this?

Thanks for the help!