symbolic delivery

A transaction wherein physical custody is retained by the party who in the reality of the situation should not have possession. A constructive change of possession. 15 Am J2d Chat Mtg § 137. A delivery of goods of such a nature or so situated as to make actual manual delivery impossible. 24 Am J2d Frd Conv § 43. The act of a purchaser or mortgagee of a chattel in merely touching the chattel and declaring his ownership of it. Sloan v National Surety Co. 74 App Div 417, 77 NYS 428. The delivery of the key to a warehouse containing the subject matter in question; the delivery of a bill of lading or warehouse receipt in lieu of the property itself. 41 Am J1st Pldg & Col § 14; 56 Am J1st Wareh § 39. The completion of a gift of property of such nature that an actual manual delivery is impossible, such as an unequivocal declaration of gift, accompanied by a delivery of the only means by which possession of the article can be obtained, by delivery of an instrument making an appropriation of the property to the donee, or other act indicating unmistakably an intent to transfer the property to the donee. 24 Am J1st Gifts § 27.