now for the sorcery part: to get a rough idea of the polarization of the antenna and to make sure it is radiating, i've switched the VNA to log-mag S11. the metal thing in the foreground is a pair of scissors (really!) which, when i hold it nearby, absorbs energy and causes the S11 to fall.
let's try another angle. holding the scissors perpendicular to the "F" shape, the S11 dips strongly (compare to the previous image). i like these because the handle is insulated so my body capacitance doesn't get too involved.