Nitpicky Tramp Steamer question: What is this thing on the flying bridge?

[Schweizer]

Hey, everyone.  I know this is like the tenth tramp steamer question I've asked, so I appreciate everyone's patience.  I'm nearing the end of building a steamer that I've been working on since probably late April (pictures will be up as soon as I'm done, at least with the exterior and bridge interior), and have been using as reference (amongst other things) the Venture from the new KING KONG movie. 

I noticed one item with which I wasn't familiar, and was hoping that someone here might be able to tell me what it is.  I assume it's an antenna for the wireless, but seeing as the movie takes place in the 30s and my boat is supposed to be circa 1919 I want to make sure that the technology affixed to this particular type of antenna was in use at that time.  Any thoughts would be welcomed!

[FramFramson]

My history here is very sketchy, but I seem to recall the two earliest antennae were loop antennae and dipole antennae, both of which predate the turn of the century. That may well be a diamond loop antenna.

As far as wireless adoption goes, it was adopted militarily by about 1900-1905, and before WWI, most higher-end ships (passenger liners, mail ships, etc.) were equipped with wireless as well. After WWI, cheaper radio sets spread wireless down to even the poor men of the seas, the tramp steamers, rusting freighters etc. but this still took some time.

If it's 1919, it's easily possible that a tramp steamer could afford a wireless set, but that's early enough that only the more diligent tramp captains would invest in such a thing. They really weren't ubiquitous until the 30's.

[mysteriousbill]

However, given the questionably legal nature of previous actions of the Captain and crew, I would imagine they'd want one just to find out if the authorities were looking for them. 

[Schweizer]

Thanks, Fram!  Actually, a lack of one would make for potentially smoother story possibilities, so I'll go that route.  Thanks for the info!