An embedded-type handle assembly may have its lock bars arranged either horizontally or vertically. In the assembly: a shaft 9 is rotatably inserted in a cylindrical bearing portion 8 of a casing 1; a link plate 18 has a circular hole 16 through which the link plate 18 is mounted on the shaft 9 in an insertion manner; a lock bar 20 has its base-end portion connected with one end 19 of the link plate 18 through a pivot 27; a lock bar 23 has its base-end portion connected with the other end 22 of the link plate 18 through a pivot 28; the link plate 18 has a follower surface 25 in a side surface of the other end portion 22, the surface 25 being pushed by the operating-foot plate 5 of the handle 2; and, the link plate 18 has a follower projection 26 in a side surface of its intermediate portion, the projection 26 being pushed by the operating-foot plate 5 of the handle 2.