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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in each Registration Statement
of CLARCOR Inc. on Form S-8 (file numbers 33-5456, 33-38590, 33-39374, 33-53763
and 33-53899) and on Form S-4 (registration number 333-19735) of our reports
dated January 3, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of
CLARCOR Inc. and Subsidiaries as of November 30, 1996 and 1995 and for the years
ended November 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, and the financial statement schedule for
the years ended November 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994, which reports are included or
incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
                                         COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Chicago, Illinois
February 19, 1997