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

Beautiful handwritten autograph card❦ JULES ROMAINS Belle carte autographe manuscrite

Autograph letter to poet Fernand Gregh❦ Jean Cassou lettre autographe

Autograph letter from Baudrillart❦ Baudrillart lettre autographe

Autographed Letters and Visiting Cards❦ EMILE MÂLE cartes & lettres autographes manuscrites & signées

Autograph letter from Julien Benda❦ Julien Benda carte autographe

Letters from Prince Georges Bibesco❦ Prince Georges Bibesco lettres signées

Beautiful Autographed Cards & Letters❦ Maurice HERBETTE belles cartes & lettre autographes manuscrites

Autographed letters and cards by Paul Hervieu❦ PAUL HERVIEU lettres & cartes autographes manuscrites & signées

Autographed notes by Louis Barthou❦ LOUIS BARTHOU 4 billets autographes manuscrits

Three Fine Autograph Manuscripts Letters❦ Jules Cambon 3 belle lettres autographes manuscrites

Autographed postcard to a poet❦ Reynaldo `Hahn carte autographe signée

Three autograph letters signed by Jules Clarétie❦ Jules Clarétie 3 lettres autographes manuscrites & signées

Three Typed and Signed Letters❦ BARBUSSE 3 lettres tapuscristes & signées

Signed Postcard from Casablanca❦ Maurice DRUON carte autographes signée de casablanca

Autographed Letter from Henri BORDEAUX❦ Henri BORDEAUX belle lettre autographe

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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