The splice in the first photo is totally illegal (i.e., not to code) and potentially dangerous. The metal box in the second photo is also not to code, particularly because it looks like there may be no wire nuts used to make the connections, but for other reasons as well.

Your main concern should be not with just these issues, but whatever other surprises may be hidden behind the walls and in the attic. It appears that whoever did this either didn't know or didn't care about the electrical code, and simply made the most expedient modifications without regard to safety or legality.

You don't have a continuous ground. You may have a few things grounded if the cable with the ground wire runs all the way back to the fuse box or breaker box with no interruptions. However, I doubt that someone who did what was done in the first photo would worry about grounding, let alone do it properly.

In other threads, he shows the grounding connector on the receptacle connected tot he neutral wiring. His house is a pathetic basket case. He needs professional help.

ron-
I agree. If that were my house, I'd want the wiring thoroughly investigated by a licensed electrician.

Wow. I wouldn't sleep well knowing that was in my walls. I would be very suspicious of any "grounded" outlet in that home.

We are actually living in our RV on the property while we remodel.

We are having an electrician come in and give us his thoughts.

Thanks for your help.

Good luck on your meeting. I would be interested in hearing from you on what the electrician's assessment is.