Does anyone know what kind of finish this is?

[Cody Thompson]

This are interior walls in a property  we just purchased and are in the process of rehabbing. The house was originally built in 1960 so I don't know if this was popular at that time or sometime later. We are trying to find out the best/cost effective way to refinish or remove. 2 of the photos are of the fire place and it looks like this may be a panel that was placed over the original drywall and then finished. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

ated. Thanks! 

Sorry the photos were taken at night and in poor lighting. 

[David Handel]

The first picture looks like Venetian Plaster.  It is a multiple-layered, hand trowelled finish.  The products I am familiar with produce a higher gloss with more buffing. The 2nd just looks like a bunch of layers of paint over cinder block.  What are you looking to do here?  I have been in the paint business for almost 15 years, so I might be able to give you some guidance.