Facts
A chimney sweep's boy found a jewel and took it to a goldsmith to be valued. The goldsmith's apprentice kept the stones.
Issue
Can a finder sue a wrongdoer for ?
Held
The boy won, and damages were the value of the best jewel that would fit the setting.
Principle
A finder has a right to the thing against everyone except the true owner.
Why it matters
Shows that possession, not ownership, is enough to sue.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Armory v Delamirie (1722) 1 Str 505; 93 ER 664 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/armory-v-delamirie> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.