Walden 1/2" oblong drive socket sets

[coolford]

I'm posting these in hopes of learning more about them. Alloy Artifacts has very little on this drive and no socket sets. Starting at the top, the drive tools are a breaker bar which also converts into a tee wrench by way of the of the little adapter (the box is incorrect). The second set in the middle is a Stevens Walden and has the drive tool and a complete set of sockets, thus making it after Stevens bought Walden. The last socket set is a Walden No.3 (first one I have ever seen) and must be early in Walden production. It contains a full set of sockets but no drive tool. So, why make such a drive (it is really 1/2" on the long side and 3/8" on the short side) and why keep making it. HELP!!

 

[MShaw]

It is cheaper to make. They only had to machine two sides of the drive. With a broach or spaced milling cutters it is one pass and done.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Those are very cool, and look to be in excellent condition for their age. I personally was not aware that those existed, but I was also told it's a poor day if you don't learn something new.

 

[safariknut]

Do the oblong drive sockets have a setscrew in the side? I have one Walden Worcester socket that has such a screw.

 

[coolford]

No set screw, just like any other socket except for the shape.

 

[Provincial]

Thanks for posting your sets.

Now I know what was in the empty WW No. 3 socket set box I picked up a few months ago!