EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of 
National Mercantile Bancorp on Form S-2 of our report dated March 28, 1996 
(which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph 
relating National Mercantile Bancorp and Subsidiary's ability to continue as a 
going concern) appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report 
on Form 10-K of National Mercantile Bancorp for the year ended December 31, 
1995, and to the reference to us under the heading of "Experts" in the 
Prospectus, which is a part of this Registration Statement.  


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

February 7, 1997