EXHIBIT 23.1
                             OWENS-ILLINOIS, INC.
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Selected Financial
Data."  

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-3 No. 33-51982) of Owens-Illinois, Inc. and in the related
Prospectus, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-57139) pertaining
to the Amended and Restated Owens-Illinois, Inc. Stock Purchase and Savings
Program and the Amended and Restated Owens-Illinois, Inc. Long-Term Savings
Plan, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-44252) pertaining to the
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for Key Employees of Owens-Illinois,
Inc., and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-57141) pertaining to
the Stock Option Plan for Directors of Owens-Illinois, Inc. of our report
dated February 4, 1997 with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedule of Owens-Illinois, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-
K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.




                                               /s/ Ernst & Young LLP      
                                               ---------------------
                                               Ernst & Young LLP



Toledo, Ohio
March 31, 1997





















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