Earliest referrence I have seen to the steel Campagnolo seat post was the 1956 TdF. There was kind of a "real world" recall of the steel post because they had a propensity to crack at the tube to head joint. Probably why they are rare. Also probably why they weren't highly regarded or sought after.
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, California http://www.velo-retro.com (Campagnolo Timeline)
Mark A. Perkins wrote:
>
> Hillary, and fellow bike lovers:
>
> I have been aware of the parts that you speak of since the late 70's.
> However, a few years back I came across a genuine Campagnolo, steel, seat
> post, with a well broken in and cared for Brooks saddle mounted on it .
> It (the seat post) is very much like the Record aluminum posts which we
> are all very familiar with. It has the same type of micro-adjusting
> mechanism as the Record post, but all of the parts are made from steel
> and chrome plated. The major difference is that the upper portion of the
> post (which the rail supports and top clamps attach to), is much narrower
> than the Record aluminum post, and if my memory serves me correctly the
> slot down the middle where the bolts go through is open to the rear. I
> have never seen any literature on this post, but I have seen others
> exactly like it. I have no idea what years it was available, or what
> it's part number or group designation is, but it is definitely a
> chrome-plated, steel, micro-adjusting, Campy seat post, made specifically
> for the earlier, narrow-railed, leather saddles.
>
> The saddle is very interesting too. It has, from front to back, narrow
> to wide, stepped spacing between the chrome rails. It is by far the
> softest leather saddle I have ever owned, and I have actually ridden on
> it on one of my Bianchi's. The shop owner who had actually originally
> sold both of my '59 Bianchi "Competizione"('s) told me that the saddle
> and post were not correct for the bikes, but was of the same approximate
> vintage (give or take a few years). He also noticed that the post was
> .2mm too small for the frame. I then told him that I had taken the
> original Brooks "Swallow" off temporarily so that I could try the other
> saddle and post out.
>
> At the present time, this saddle and post combo is in storage (along with
> 75% of my bike collection), so I can't take a photo to send to the group.
> However, the very next time I am able to do so, I will retrieve it and
> take a photo to send along for all to see. It shouldn't be all that
> uncommon though. But I have only been involved with cycling since the
> mid-60's, so what do I know.
>
> If anyone else out there has one of these posts please speak up. I can't
> believe that this post is such a rare item. Although I have only seen 2
> or 3 of them myself.
>
> That's all that I have learned about these narrow-railed saddles and
> posts, and I would like to know more.
>
> Happy Cycling All! - "Bicycle Mark" Perkins