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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Signed autograph letter from Maurice DRUON❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

Signed letter from Maurice Druon❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

Autographed letter from Maurice Druon❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

Autographed letter from Maurice Druon❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

Signed postcard from Maurice DRUON❦ Maurice DRUON carte autographes signée

Autographed Letter from Gabriel Hanotaux❦ Hanotaux belle lettre autographe

Signed autograph letters and postcard from Pierre Brossolette❦ Pierre Brossolette lettres autographes signées + carte

Signed Letter from Paul LEROY-BEAULIEU❦ Paul LEROY-BEAULIEU Lettre

Signed autograph map by Pierre Brossolette❦ Pierre Brossolette carte autographes signée

Poland Pilsudski Death Announcement 1935❦ Pologne PILSUDSKI faire part de décès 1935

Signed letter from Pierre Brossolette❦ Pierre Brossolette lettre autographes signée

France through San-Antonio’s eyes❦ SAN ANTONIO L’histoire de France vue par San Antonio

Charming autograph letter by Mme Loti-Viaud❦ Loti-Viaud Mme belle lettre autographe manuscrite

Edouard Detaille 1890 Autograph Letter❦ Edouard Detaille 1890 Lettre autographe

Gabriel de Lautrec’s autograph letter❦ Gabriel de LAUTREC lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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