The handles are black anodized aluminum alloy (or maybe pot metal given
the way they break) and the anodizing wears off.  A cheap alternative to
the chromed handles that used to be used. Paint won't adhere for long
either.  You could have them powder coated, but they would be pretty
glossy and might not look right.
--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle

'84 Vanagon Westfalia w/2.1
'65 MGB (Daily driver since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring sloooowly)

Personal mechanic for:
'70 MGB GT (Daughter's)

Assisting on Restoration (and spending OPM):
'72 MGB GT (Was daughter's, now son's)
'64 MGB (Son's)

Stripped and gone but their parts live on:
'68 MGB, '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT