i think that thing is just a light bulb cage. i think you find those things in carriers and destroyer type places. i know ive seen them before in older buildings. if you look closely it appears to be taped loosely to the mic itself with cardboard as an insulator.

any contact with that thing would carry noise straight into the mic.
all i can think of is whats been said, keeping people's mouths off of it. but what a strange tactic.
beats me.
etm dude - wish i was that i5.