EXHIBIT 23.1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8)  pertaining  to the 1990  Incentive  Compensation  Plan and the 1999  Stock
Option Plan of Helmstar Group, Inc. of our report, dated February 23, 1999, with
respect  to the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Helmstar  Group,  Inc.
included  in its Annual  Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended  December  31,
1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/  Richard A. Eisner & Company, LLP
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     Richard A. Eisner & Company, LLP

New York, New York
October 14, 1999