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