Hey all -
Picked up this Nelson Pedestal coffee table last night. The owner didn't know what she had, and knew nothing about the table. She did say that it was old and she got it from a school she had worked at. I wasn't sure what the deal with the tube was, but when I got home I disassembled it and it looks to me like someone replaced the center tube of the pedestal with a steel pipe. Not sure why someone would do this, how someone might break it that it might need to be repaired.
I assume this is not some sort of prototype as the label on the table seems newer than that - but I don't know what era. Is this HM label from the 70s, 60s?
I've measured - does anyone know if I could just get a piece of aluminum tubing that is 1.25 ID and 1.5 OD and replace the steel pipe?
Thanks for your help! 
thanks. perfect website. I...
thanks. perfect website. I will order a piece from them. Just need to confirm the exact length. Anybody want to measure theirs and help out?
Also, I think I've placed the production. Read the label I have was used from 54-70, so seems like an early production. pretty exciting.
Different metals?
Is it possible that they used different metals/finish on the tube and base? Could the tube be steel with heavily oxidized zinc plating? I can't imagine that part being damaged or replaced. Edit: That piece clearly isn't the right diameter though is it.
Found an old one (see link). Seems like there is a difference between the aluminum base and the shaft.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables/end-tables/george-nelson-herman-...
different metals
Nelson Pedestal Table bases have been made from two different aluminum alloys from the beginning. The parts are formed using different processes, the tube is extruded (kind of like squeezing toothpaste tube) . The base is formed by casting hot metal in a diecast die (similar to how aluminum wheels for your car are made). The 2 different processes use different aluminum alloys . Die-casters don?t use the same alloys as extruders.
The 2 parts also reflect light differently as the tube surface is a 2 dimensional curve and the base has 3 dimensional compound curves. Even if the parts were the same alloy, they would look slightly different.
Sorry to get so wordy. I have lurked for a while and learned a lot from you-all.
The tables have been made in several heights. If you can measure the length of the threaded rod, I can tell you the tube length you need.
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