A sheriff or other officer who makes any sale contrary to the true intent and meaning of this Article shall forfeit two hundred dollars to any person suing for it, one half for his own use and the other half to the use of the county where the offense is committed. (1820, c. 1066, s. 2, P.R.; 1822, c. 1153, s. 3, P.R.; R.C., c. 45, s. 18; Code, s. 461; Rev., s. 649; C.S., s. 696; 1949, c. 719, s. 2.)