What's up with these sockets?

[Jacob's Ladder]

My grandfather gave me a toolbox full of various sockets and tools, and these sockets were in it. I've never seen sockets like these before, I figured someone on here would know.

 

[Flatintoone]

Hex drive. Common until square drive sizes were standardized, and in cheap sets into the 1960s.

 

[warweapon762]

1/2 Hex Drive

Seen some from New Britain Machine Company ages ago.

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/newbritain-nonebetter.html

 

[premierplayer]

here's your socket set

 

[Jacob's Ladder]

Damn that was fast!! Thanks guys I knew you'd know what they were.

 

[Jagmandave]

I have a set like that!

 

[premierplayer]

me too!
I think I saved those pictures from the ebay auction I purchased them from

 

[Clik]

Some motorcycles came with tool sets like that for roadside repairs.

 

[zkling]

Has any company ever made a male hex drive ratchet? I've only seen hex drive eel bars.

 

[Gmonkee]

Duro-Indestro made hex drive ratchets up to the late 60's or so. Very plain stamped steel things and most were brand unmarked.

I have a 1/2" version in working order but had to make my own drive plugs.

They're **** as users anymore but I keep mine just for fun.