Bava Batra

We must suppose therefore that there were no witnesses, and the ruling stated is that the word of the workman is to be taken;  since he is able to plead that he has bought it,  his word is taken as to his payment. — [To which Abaye answers]: No. The case, in fact, is one in which there were no witnesses [to the original transfer], but we suppose that the owner has not seen it [in the hands of the workman]. R. Nahman b. Isaac raised an objection [against Rabbah's opinion from the following]: A CRAFTSMAN HAS NO HAZAKAH, from which we infer that other persons have hazakah [in such a case]. In what circumstances? If there are witnesses [who saw the article transferred], why have other persons hazakah?  We must suppose therefore [that the rule applies to the case] where there are no witnesses,  and yet it is laid down that a craftsman has no hazakah! This refutation of Rabbah is decisive. Our Rabbis have taught: If a man receives another person's articles [of clothing] instead of his own from the workshop [where they have been sent for repair etc.], he may use them until the other comes and claims them.  If they have become exchanged in the house of a mourner or at a party he must not use them, [but must keep them on one side] until the other comes and claims them. Why should the ruling in these two cases be different?  — Rab said: I was sitting before my uncle  and he said to me, It is no unusual thing for a man to say to the workman, Sell my garment for me. R. Hiyya the son of R. Nahman said: This rule holds good only where the workman himself [gave him the coat], but not if it was given him by his wife or his sons.  And even so he must not use it  unless the workman says, Here is a garment,' but if he says, 'Here is your garment,' he must not use it, because this is not his garment. Abaye said to Raba: Come and I will show you a trick of the sharpers of Pumbeditha. A man will say [to his tailor], 'Give me back my cloak [that I gave you to repair].' The other will deny all knowledge of the matter.  'But,' the owner will say, 'I can bring witnesses [to declare] that they saw it in your possession'. 'That was a different one,' he will reply. The owner will then say to him, 'Bring it out and let us see.' To which he will reply. 'To be sure! I don't bring it out.'  Raba said to him: That is very clever of him,  seeing that