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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Collections|Letters, Old Documents|Letters

Massenet 2 autograph manuscript signed tickets❦ Massenet 2 billets autographes manuscrits & signés

Georges Lecomte ACADEMICIAN autograph letters manuscript❦ Georges Lecomte ACADEMICIEN belles lettres autographes manuscrites…

Maréchal JOFFRE death announcement 1931❦ Maréchal JOFFRE faire part de décès 1931

Henri Bordeaux autograph manuscript map❦ Henri BORDEAUX carte manuscrite autographe

Paul Ollendorff autograph manuscript letter, signed❦ Paul Ollendorff carte lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Silbermann L'autre langue Yeux fertiles❦ Silbermann L’autre langue Yeux fertiles

Jean d'Orsay fine autograph letter, signed❦ Jean d’Orsay belle lettre autographe manuscrite

Ambassade des États-Unis 1959 Autograph letter❦ Ambassade des états-unis 1959 Lettre autographe

Casimir-Périer autograph letter signed❦ Casimir-Périer lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

René Vallery-Radot autograph letter signed❦ René Vallery-Radot lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

EDOUARD BONNEFOUS typed and signed letter❦ EDOUARD BONNEFOUS lettre tapuscrite & signée

Josette André Romane autograph letter, signed in beautiful hand❦ Josette André Romane belle lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Yves-Gérard Le Dantec autograph letter, signed❦ Yves-Gérard Le Dantec belle lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Halevy Autograph Letter to the Poet Fernand Gregh❦ Halevy Lettre autographe au poète Fernand Gregh

Mme Jules Romains autograph letter, signed❦ Mme Jules Romain lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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