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!