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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Estampes, gravures, lithos

Royal Guard Cannoneer - Hand-Colored Aquatint❦ cannonier de la garde royale 43,5 x 66 cm aquarellée

Marine pastel artwork❦ Pastel marine 45 x 60 cm.

Original charcoal artwork❦ Fusain original 49 x 63 cm.

Royal Prussian Army - 5 colored lithographs❦ Prusse Die Königl. Preussische Armee 5 x lith. en couleur 30 x 40 cm

Original Charcoal Drawing❦ Fusain original 47,5 x 61 cm.

Original charcoal artwork❦ Fusain original 49 x 63 cm.

Original charcoal artwork❦ Fusain original 48,5 x 63 cm.

Original Charcoal Drawing❦ Fusain original 49 x 63 cm.

Original charcoal drawing, large format❦ Fusain original 49 x 63 cm.

Milton's dictation of Samson❦ etching Milton dictating Samson agonistes 77 x 101 cm.

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide