Aha!!!!!!!!1
I know
The BRM handle is held on with what I like to call 'mega-glue'. You wont get it off unless you apply serious amounts of heat to it, which in turn destroys the leather.
Its actually made up of 4 pieces. The turned 'top' and 'bottom', a metal tube running between them both over the handbrake itself, and the leather piece. The metal 'top' and 'bottom' and tube are all glued to each other and the handle.
Tis a pain in t'arse to get off.
hth.