If memory serves me correctly, that is the brakes on a MiG. Many Russian aircraft have pneumatic brakes, and no nosewheel steering, so you steer with brakes. Either the stick or the rudder pedals will route brake pressure to either wheel when deflected, or both when centered. Then, you sqeeze a handle, like a motorcycle handbrake, and you get a whopping dose of uncontrollable brake pressure!
So, I figure the upper portion of the handle would be natural metal, and the wire portion the color of the interior, as it is the housing for the pull cable