Unclaimed personal property of deceased patients and of other former patients of any charitable hospital which is supported in whole or in part by municipal funds shall be held at each institution, awaiting claim therefor, for a period of one year, after which time, under the direction of the municipal clerk of the municipality contributing to the support of the institution, and at a time to be named by him, the property may be sold, at public or private sale. The proceeds of the sale shall be deposited by the municipal clerk with the municipal treasurer within ten days after the sale.