The police department shall, commencing within one week from the date of receipt of any lost article, advertise a general description of such article once a week for at least two successive weeks in a newspaper having a circulation in such municipality and shall retain custody of such article for six months from the date of receipt thereof, unless it is claimed by the rightful owner within such six months’ period. The requirement of advertising may be omitted when the value or estimated value of the article is less than two dollars. Perishable or obnoxious property or articles of a dangerous or harmful nature may be sold or otherwise disposed of as soon as practicable on the best terms available.