It was a duplex-to-6 adaptor, and he plugged it in that way because the duplex was behind the shelf in the background. I guess it was a grounded one though, because all the others in that appartment were. The panel was a real small one, less than 10 circuits I'd guess, mounted high up on a hallway wall. (beyond my eye level, and I'm 6'4")
Being this New York I'd guess BX rather than K&T.
Maybe there was some more of that kind hidden behind the shelf, because there was some more stuff (refrigerator,...) not visible in the picture.
Luckily except for my hairdryer there were no heavy loads connected to that. Stereo, TV, Super Nintendo, Sega, video, cable tuner, cell phone charger,...
The refrigerator in the kitchen was hooked up to a 9' 3w 16 awg zip cord extension cord running all over the kitchen. Guess when they turn on all their gadgets (including an electric blow-heater in the master bedroom) at once it goes dark.
