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

Rare photos of painter Raymond Woog❦ Raymond Woog photos argentiques

Autograph letter from Jules Cambon❦ Jules Cambon lettre autographe

Signed typewritten letter❦ Gaston GALLIMARD lettre tapuscrite signée

Autographed manuscript letter❦ JEAN de FORVIL carte autographe manuscrite & signée

Motorcycle and Scooter Magazines 1950-1958❦ MOTOCYCLES… & Scooters cyclomoteurs 1950..1958

Autographed letter from a French statesman❦ Casimir-Périer lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Autographed letter from Robert Debré❦ ROBERT DEBRE lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Two Autograph Manuscript Letters❦ Daniel ROPS 2 belles lettres manuscrites autographes

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

Meteorological Phenomena and Natural Wonders❦ HISTOIRE DES MÉTÉORES et des grands phénomènes de la nature 1883

Sexual education narrative❦ Pauline Réage Gaëtane. Histoire d’ I

Autograph letter to poet Fernand Gregh❦ Auguste Garnier Lettre autographe

Oceanic Art and Color Influence❦ Form Colour Inspiration : Oceanic Art from New Britain

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

Typed and signed letter❦ JEAN PAULHAN lettre tapuscrite & signée GALLIMARD

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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