The wall was made of a material called rock-lath. A description of that material is found here http://www.usinspect.com/resources-for-you/house-facts/basic-components-and-systems-home/interior-home/wall-and-ceiling-cove-2 This was quite a bit harder and messier than drywall due to the plaster coating on the material. There are always surprises when you open up a wall and we were lucky this time. Only one surprise! The wire mesh around…