Unidentified wiring method

[Marc]

This wiring method is likely the first to be installed in this morning's house. House likely built before K&T but I didn't see any. Didn't find this stuff in Douglas Hansen's book either. Anyone know what it's called?

Edited August 24, 2022 by Marc

[Bill Kibbel]

Those wires weren't intended for branch wiring.  It's from the K&T era though.  Someone got ahold of a spool of wire used for drops from ceiling boxes to bulb sockets.

[Les]

Many farm barns were wired with this stuff during the twenties and thirties.  REA was started in 1935 and often used "handy" farmers for installation. Wasn't unusual to see two sets running parallel.  Not right, but farmers welcomed "electric" in any form!   

Bill, do you know what it was commonly called?

[Bill Kibbel]

I've read and heard it referred to as "bridle wires".  I've also seen it a couple times for the original service entry wires, used back when you could only get 30 amp services.

[Marc]

Thanks guys. Lots of surprises on this house. Entrance to the stairway leading to upstairs was on the back porch!