December 19, 1997

A.T. Cross Company
One Albion Road
Lincoln, Rhode Island  02865

Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-8/Defined Contribution Retirement Plan

Dear A.T. Cross Company:

     We have acted as counsel to A.T. Cross Company, a Rhode Island corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the filing by the Company of a Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") with the Securities and
Exchange Commission relating to 300,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common
Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock"), to be issued pursuant to
the A.T. Cross Company Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (the "Plan"), as
well as underlying interests in the Plan.

     In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Company's Articles of
Incorporation, as amended, the bylaws of the Company, as amended, the
Registration Statement, corporate proceedings of the Company relating to the
issuance of the Class A Common Stock, the Plan and such other instruments and
documents as we have deemed relevant under the circumstances.

     In making the aforesaid examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures and the conformity to original documents of all copies furnished to
us as original or photostatic copies.  We have also assumed that the corporate
records furnished to us by the Company include all corporate proceedings
regarding the issuance of the Common Stock taken by the Company to date.

     Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the
Common Stock which may be issued under the Plan and the underlying interests in
the Plan have been duly authorized, and when issued in accordance with the terms
of the Plan will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

     We hereby consent to the use of our opinion as herein set forth as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement.  This opinion is rendered to you in
connection with the Registration Statement, and except as consented to in the
preceding sentence, may not be relied upon or furnished to any other person in
any context.  In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within
the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder.

                                          Very truly yours,
                                          EDWARDS & ANGELL

                                          By: RICHARD G. SMALL
                                          Partner