<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE DOVER
CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                         199,955
<SECURITIES>                                    17,839
<RECEIVABLES>                                  740,316
<ALLOWANCES>                                    24,821
<INVENTORY>                                    499,870
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,489,813
<PP&E>                                       1,106,981
<DEPRECIATION>                                 612,048
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,993,379
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,139,105
<BONDS>                                        252,955
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       116,858
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,372,845
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,993,379
<SALES>                                      4,076,284
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             4,076,284
<CGS>                                        2,709,652
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                3,537,610
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                              (73,525)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              41,977
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                588,725
<INCOME-TAX>                                   198,502
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            390,223
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   390,223
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     3.45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     3.42