Question 1

How do you authenticate an antiquarian book before purchase?

Accepted Answer

Every La Librairie Antique listing explicitly mentions the first edition status (E.O. or 1st edition), print run, publication date (colophon), binding type (leather, parchment, gilding), format (12mo, folio, etc.), and detailed condition (foxing, dampstains, repairs if any). We provide multiple high-resolution photos. For items above 500 EUR, a provenance certificate is included when available.

Question 2

Do you ship to the United States? Will I pay import duties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Antiquarian books ship duty-free to the USA under HTS code 9903.01.31 ("informational materials" exception, still valid after the August 2025 de-minimis suspension). Delivery: 7-12 days via Colissimo International tracked, 3-5 days via DHL Express. State sales tax may apply depending on your state (typically 0-9%).

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept from international buyers?

Accepted Answer

All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB), PayPal with Buyer Protection (recommended for non-EU customers), SEPA bank transfer for Europe, and SWIFT international wire for orders above 2000 EUR. Stripe-secured checkout (PCI-DSS Level 1).

Question 4

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

30-day return window for international buyers. Full refund (including return shipping) if the book does not match our description. Convenience returns: buyer covers return postage, refund issued upon receipt of the book in its original condition.

Question 5

How can I verify a first edition?

Accepted Answer

A first edition (often abbreviated E.O. in French) is the first published version of a work. Identifiers: print run statement at the front/back, colophon date, paper and format specifications, reference bibliographies (Vicaire, Carteret for French literature, Sadleir for 19th century English literature). Every listing mentions first edition status explicitly when applicable.

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Livres, BD, revues

The Reign of Constantine the Great❦ Constantin-le-Grand et son règne. 1846

Administrative & Commercial Directory of Aube Department 1853❦ ANNUAIRE ADMINISTRATIF, statistique et commercial du département de l’Aube ..

Nature exploration for young readers❦ Beasts and Birds: A Nature Book for Boys and Girls 1910

Dies Irae 1953 Signed by Author❦ Dies IRAE 1953 dédicacé

Travel guide to Northern France❦ Boulogne-sur-mer, Berck, Calais, Dunkerque 1884

International Telephone Phrases Guide❦ téléphone Comite Consultatif International Téléphonique

Feudal Monarchy in France and England❦ La monarchie féodale en France et en Angleterre, Xe-XIIIe siècle

Vivaldi and Instrumental Music❦ Vivaldi et la Musique Instrumentale

Military novel set in the 78th infantry❦ Sabres de Bois Fusils de Paille !!!

Art Exhibition Catalogue❦ Mondrian 1969 Orangerie des Tuileries

A glimpse into Rome❦ Veuillot Le parfum de Rome 1862

Collection of Women❦ érotique RECUEIL DES DAMES, par Pierre de Bourdeille Seigneur de Brantôme

Masterpieces of the Topkapi❦ Topkapi – Peintures et miniatures.

Materials in Lingerie Production❦ lingerie Matières premières utilisées en lingerie 1953

Rare leather-bound edition❦ Berquin. Le Petit Grandisson 1835

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