More on the subject of Low Noise antennas. As well as the previously documented experiments at station PVC, There has been some research, trawling the archives of the excellent "American Radio History" website. Looking through the early editions of Practical Wireless from the UK, mid 1935, turns up mention of a transmission line (not specific about type) terminated with transformers at the antenna connection and at the receiver. This was in an article on improving reception and different antenna types. Later that year and in 1936 there are adverts from a number of companies for commercial "Low Noise" Aerial kits including transformers and special interconnecting cable, so it seems this was becoming an established technique fro a while, commented on in an editorial piece. In at least on case, the cable is priced per yard, and clearly was significant in cost. Whether this was an early form of coax or two shielded conductors is not clear, but I'll keep digging.
It would be interesting to know what the construction of the transformers is. In other ads, there is mention made of fully shielded coils and IF transformers with iron cores. In the same ~2 month period I explored, an article on the new techniques for powdered iron magnetic materials, and chemistry in radio, so there was contemporary advance in the relevant materials technology and applications.
Reading through 1936, the low noise antenna of Messrs Belling and Lee still features in a prominent advert.
There's nothing new in radio it seems, but if it is of interest, I will keep rooting around.
Ed
P.S. I sent this to LCWAnews at AOL dot COM a little while back and have no idea whether it made it, or was lost in the vanishing email problems.