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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Lettres

Edouard Detaille 1890 Autograph Letter❦ Edouard Detaille 1890 Lettre autographe

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

Signed autograph card from Maurice DRUON❦ Maurice DRUON carte autographes signée

Maurice DRUON autographed postcard from Casablanca❦ Maurice DRUON carte autographes signée de casablanca

Pierre Mendès France signed handwritten letter❦ Pierre Mendès France belle carte autographe manuscrite

Mendes France autograph letter❦ PIERRE MENDES FRANCE lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Autograph letter by Maurice DRUON❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

Autographed letter and card from JOFFRE❦ Maréchal JOFFRE Belle carte autographe manuscrite

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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