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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Handwritten autograph letter Michel Robida❦ Lettre manuscrite autographe Michel Robida

PROUST Reynaldo Hahn signed letter❦ PROUST Reynaldo Hahn lettre signée

Pierre Benoit autograph manuscript letter & signed❦ Pierre Benoit lettre manuscrite autographe & signée

PROUST Reynaldo Hahn Signed autograph letter❦ PROUST Reynaldo Hahn Lettre autographe signée

Henri Massis handwritten autograph card❦ Henri Massis carte autographe manuscrite

Code Nouveau Code de la Route, Automobiles, Motorcycles, Heavy Goods Vehicles... 1947❦ CODE nouveau code de la route, automobiles, motocyclettes, poids lourds… 1947

Pierre MENDES-FRANCE typed letter signed❦ Pierre MENDES-FRANCE lettre tapuscrite signée

Ludovic Halévy fine autograph letter, signed❦ Ludovic Halévy belle lettre autographe manuscrite

Henri Bordeaux autograph letter, signed❦ Henri BORDEAUX belle lettre autographe

Halévy Autograph Letter❦ Halévy Lettre autographe

Maurice DRUON autograph letter signed❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

Maurice DRUON autograph letter signed from Algiers 1944❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée d’Alger 1944

Saviem Commercial Vehicle Guide❦ SAVIEM SUPER GOELETTE – Super-Galion SG2 SG4

New road code for vehicles❦ CODE nouveau code de la route, automobiles, motocyclettes, poids lourds… 1947

Autograph letter by Pierre Lyautey❦ Pierre Lyautey belle lettre autographe manuscrite

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