An action, brought by an officer for taking from him personal property attached by him, does not abate by the death of either party, but may be prosecuted by or against his executor or administrator. If the officer is dead and his representative recovers the property or money, it shall be held and applied as if he were alive, but, if he fails to recover, he shall return the property or pay the damages awarded in full, although the estate of the deceased is insolvent.