It looks like one of those B&W NVIS antennas, minus the dummy load at the feedpoint, which was coax fed.
Like the one in the
MaxCom, and later,
MaxxCom automatic antenna matcher?
Yes, weren't those MAXCOMM tuners wonderful? I knew a fellow locally that bought one and he swore that it worked great and he was able to work all kinds of DX with it. I think he was just embarassed that he spent all that money for a boondoggle. That was my reason for the "tough crowd" comment in response to the remark that the antenna looked like a B&W antenna except without the dummy load (resistive element) at the feedpoint.
My 3 wire dipole is hardly that mysterious and, despite some derogatory inferences, works quite well for me. In theory, it may just be like any other dipole, however, it seems to function well in my location. Perhaps, a combination of factors including near field objects and/or interaction with the tower and guys are causing the perceived better performance. Anyway, it performs well and it looks cool, so what more could I want? I was merely looking for some input on possible reasons why it does seem to work well, not trying to argue with established antenna theory or practice.
73, Jack, W9GT