Doing an upgrade to a seasonal "cottage" here in Southern Maine, and found this... Old Romex - no ground, no box, and, as the pencil points out, the mounting was done by way of a large spike.
Perhaps a "crossover" installation - electrician trained in knob & tube trying to get used to this new fangled romex stuff? Boxes? we don't need no stinkin' boxes - give me a big spike!