Yep, steel. They don't look too rusty in the pics. I use a solution of Oxalic Acid to soak things like this. If the corrosion has not yet gotten through the chrome, OA will make them look like new. Things that are not plated will loose the rust, but may look dull after. OA is a powder sometimes sold as wood bleach. 1-2 teaspoons per gallon is all that it takes.

If you are local to the Triangle area of NC, I'd be glad to give you some.