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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Beautiful signed letter by Picart Ledoux❦ Picart Ledoux lettre autographe signée

Complete Works of a 13th Century Trouvère❦ RUTEBEUF Oeuvres complètes de RUTEBEUF, trouvère du XIIIe bib. Elzévirienne

Electricity Applications Review 1960-1969❦ électricité Revue des Applications de l’Électricité 1960 – 1969

The Argonauts' Quest for the Golden Fleece❦ toison d’or APOLLONIUS DE RHODES L’EXPEDITION DES ARGONAUTES an V de la républiq

Between Two Wars: Political Analysis❦ JOUVENEL (Bertrand de). D’une guerre à l’autre + dédicace

Political memoir from French governmental service❦ Ham août 1829-janvier 1834. Par un ancien attaché à la présidence du conseil

Vintage photograph❦ Photo ancienne 65 x 105 mm.

Historical photo of Salzburg❦ Photo ancienne 165 x 110 mm.

The Seducer - Signed Artist's Edition❦ Lilar, Suzanne Le Burlador Editions des Artistes + dédicace

Historical photograph of London❦ PHOTO ANCIENNE LONDON WALERY 165 x 110 mm.

Neurology Archives - Nervous and Mental Diseases Review❦ Charcot Archives de Neurologie – Revue des Maladies nerveuses et mentales

Victor HUGO's Final Harvest❦ HUGO Victor HUGO Dernière gerbe EO 1902

Van Oest Publisher Catalog 1904-1929❦ Editions Van Oest 1904-1929, catalogue général Les éditions G. Van Oest

True History of the Conquest of New Spain❦ Espagne HISTOIRE VERIDIQUE DE LA CONQUETE DE LA NOUVELLE-ESPAGNE

Lyric album of twelve romantic pieces❦ Album lyrique composé de Douze Romances Chansonnettes & Nocturnes.

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