There is a nice picture of the clamp configuration of the first generation Campagnolo seatpost (steel version) for those who have never seen one. The Timeline lists the intro at 1956, but I don't know when it was first given to Fausto Coppi to use. They were known to crack at the point where the head was brazed to the tube and were recalled at some point (anyone know the date?).
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, California
http://www.velo-retro.com (Campy Timeline)