What the heck are these things?

Hi. I bought a flat recently and found these (see attached) located in a lot of rooms. They are at the end of a thick wire about 1.5 ft long sticking out of the baseboard. They appear to connect a standard phone jack, but since I also have typical wall phone jacks I just can't figure out what they are. Downstairs in the garage there is an entire phone "board" that looks like it ought to be in an office building with maybe 100 slots for connecting wires.

Is this some sort of home network? My dream would be yes - so that I could wire up a LAN in multiple rooms.

If anyone knows I would appreciate the tips!

http://www.geocities.com/jmilum/CIMG0756.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/jmilum/CIMG0757.JPG

 

Looks like the building was originally wired for rotary phones with push buttons for multiple lines. The control boxes have probably been removed from downstairs. (Haven't seen those for 20 years - I'm seriously dating myself on this.)
You could "possibly" use the wiring for a LAN, but it would probably be more trouble than it's worth. (Age of wiring, possible interference on wires)
Someone else needs to reply on that matter.

 

Yes, i think thats probly part of phone system that was used in offices for multiple lines but with little work you could change them in LAN just who knows in what shape cables are and you would also need to change jacks etc...

You could also check if there any serial numbers on them and then google to see what they exactly are

 

good idea on the serial number. although it was surprising how hard it was to fid any info on 153am3 or ks 21997

i did find a .pdf catalog with a description though. it reads:

"The PT-153AM adapters are designed to allow an ancillary device, electronic key
set, or single line telephone set equipped with a modular plug-ended line cord to be
connected to an existing 25 pair connector. No re-wiring is necessary.

Adapter 25 pair to 6P6C"

although this means nothing to me

i guess i have a "25 pair connector" coming out of my wall? does this shed any light on the networking capabilities? or why the heck someone would have this equipment in a building with 2 1000 square foot flats?

thanks for all your help

jeff