friction shocks
Marc, I don't understand your intended purpose for the information, but if you query information on any early MG's up, and into the 70's, they used them on the front and rear.
Do keep in mind that, other than the factory friction shocks, the friction shocks you see on most street rods are only used where there is minimal front end weight bias. For example T-buckets can run them, since the engine has so much setback, however, you will have difficulty running them in anything that has the engine sitting over the axle.
Some have internal coil springs and round 'friction discs' that are usually made from rubber, but most guys change the rubber out for polyurethane, which tends to help dampening.
In fact, I've got a set of rear friction shocks if you're really wanting to dissect some of them.
Southernman