"Brooke says that the best thing of every sort may be an heirloom--such as
the best bed, the best table, the best pot or pan.
"Coke says that heirlooms are so by custom, and not by law.
"Spelman says, in denning an heirloom, that it may be 'Omne utensil
robustius;' which would exclude a necklace.
"In the 'Termes de Ley,' it is denned as, 'Ascun parcel des utensils.'
"We are told in 'Coke upon Littleton' that crown jewels are heirlooms,
which decision--as far as it goes--denies the right to other jewels.
"Certain chattels may undoubtedly be held and claimed as being in the
nature of heirlooms--as swords, pennons of honour, garter and collar of
S.S. See case of the Earl of Northumberland; and that of the Pusey horn--
Pusey v. Pusey. The journals of the House of Lords, delivered officially
to peers, may be so claimed. See Upton v. Lord Ferrers.
"A devisor may clearly devise or limit the possession of chattels, making
them inalienable by devisees in succession. But in such cases they will
become the absolute possession of the first person seized in tail, even
though an infant, and in case of death without will would go to the Exors.
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