Question:
My 11 year old daughter found in the cheder madreigot of our building a nagan digitali. She claimed it was on the floor and she picked it up. I told her to hang up notices for השבת אבידה. She did so two weeks ago and she asks me how after how much time she can start to use it, if she ever can. And even if it will be allowed to use it, will it become hers or does it remain something that ultimately has to be returned.
Answer:
Hello,
It ultimately has to be returned, because the unique mix of songs on the naganit is considered that it has a siman. Therefore it technically has to be kept until Eliyahu Hanavi will IY"H let us know to whom it belongs. The poskim however say that you can keep a list of such items, stating what was found, where, and when, and this list should be stored be you somewhere. Then the nagan may be used, and when Moshiach will come the value of the nagan will be returned.
Best wishes
