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

Autograph letter by Marcelle ADAM❦ Marcelle ADAM belle lettre autographe manuscrite

Erotic education of a man by Pauline Réage❦ Pauline Réage Gaëtane. Histoire d’ I

Oceanic Art from New Britain❦ Form Colour Inspiration : Oceanic Art from New Britain

Autograph postcard signed by Arman de Caillavet to Fernand Gregh❦ Arman de Caillavet carte postale autographe manuscrite & signée

Letter by ROBERT de TRAZ to poet Fernand Gregh❦ ROBERT de TRAZ lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Autographed postcard by Arman de Caillavet❦ Arman de Caillavet carte postale autographe manuscrite & signée

Autograph letter to poet Fernand Gregh❦ Cahrléty lettre autographe

Maurice DRUON autographed postcard from Casablanca❦ Maurice DRUON carte autographes signée de casablanca

Noailles' elegant autograph letter❦ Anne-Jules de Noailles belle lettre autographe manuscrite

Charles de Gaulle vintage silver print❦ DE GAULLE photo argentique 18 x 24 cm

Autograph postcard signed by Arman de Caillavet❦ Arman de Caillavet carte postale autographe manuscrite & signée

1950s Motorcycles & Scooters Magazine Collection❦ MOTOCYCLES… & Scooters cyclomoteurs 1950..1958

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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