Exhibit 23(b) Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Interests of Named Experts and Counsel" in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) and "Experts" in the related Prospectus and Reoffer Prospectus, all pertaining to The Eastern Company 1995 Executive Stock Incentive Plan, and to the incorporation by reference in the aforementioned Registration Statement of our report dated January 31, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of The Eastern Company included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 30, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP --------------------- ERNST & YOUNG LLP Hartford, Connecticut February 3, 1997