Back a little while ago, among a thread (which I am having trouble finding again), was a discussion on Coax cable and when it came into being.
Well, by coincidence, in a newsletter for March 2011 on this site
http://www.awasa.org.za/ (go to Newsletters page and then 2011), is an article on Coax cable and who invented it.
Quote:
"The first known patent granted for coaxial transmission line was a British patent in 1880 to Oliver Heaviside"
Flexible Coax as we know it didn't come into being until 1937.
Page 5 and on, makes an interesting read.