That's part of the armored cable setup that makes it difficult to hot wire the ignition circuit on a mid-1930s stovebolt coil. The proper coil has the primary ignition connector on the bottom, covered by the armored shield from the ignition switch.
Jerry


"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!