I have a lever in "the collection" that has a nylon "bushing" near the base. About 5/8" long x 5/16" diameter (guessing, I did not measure and its out in the shed)
Did the tilt columns use this to protect the lever from wearing against the tilt mechanism? See only a one-size-fits-all repro, and hoping this is not unobtainium, or I guess one could machine up a nylon bush and press it on.... assuming it is correct.