Article 1981Voluntary Deposit

When the thing deposited is delivered

closed and sealed, the depositary must return it in the

same condition, and he shall be liable for damages

should the seal or lock be broken through his fault.

Fault on the part of the depositary is presumed, unless

there is proof to the contrary.

As regards the value of the thing deposited, the

statement of the depositor shall be accepted, when the

forcible opening is imputable to the depositary, should

there be no proof to the contrary. However, the courts

may pass upon the credibility of the depositor with

respect to the value claimed by him.

When the seal or lock is broken, with or without the

depositary's fault, he shall keep the secret of the deposit.

(1769a)