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.

An empty cart

An empty cart

Enter your keyword

Fantaisie

BRIGHTON railway of the state Paris to LONDON... 7 CPA❦ BRIGHTON chemin de fer de l’état Paris à LONDRES… 7 CPA

Transvaal currency and national flag Embossed❦ Transvaal monnaie et pavillon national Gaufré/ relief

affiche torn❦ affiche crevée L’AUTO-VELO

Venezuela money and national flag Embossed / relief❦ Venezuela monnaie et pavillon national Gaufré/ relief

Italie LIRE 500 lire cinquecento lire 1906

Normandy Brittany Jersey Island State Railway Travel 5 Postcards❦ Normandie Bretagne île Jersey chemin de fer de l’état voyages 5 CPA

Sea of Ice Mont-Blanc❦ mer de glace Mont-Blanc

North Africa - Shortened Maps❦ Sandoz 3 CPA AFRIQUE DU NORD

Complete series of Gabard's Vieux Garcon❦ Gabard VIEUX GARCON X 10 CPA série complète

African Hunter with Engravings❦ Chasseur d’Afrique BRIGADIER 1901 Malespine del. Bergeret Nancy

Mexican Military History❦ Brigadier de dragons 1900 Malespine del. Bergeret Nancy

Algerian Spahis from 1901❦ Spahis Algérien 1901 Malespine del. Bergeret Nancy

Damaged poster about bicycles❦ affiche crevée L’AUTO-VELO

A historical poster from 1903❦ aurore L’AURORE 1903 affiche crevée ORAN

Historic poster from 1902❦ fronde LA FRONDE 1902 affiche crevée

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us