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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Books, Comics, Magazines

Margueritte’s 1913 literary gem in fine binding❦ Margueritte Les sources vives 1913

Unusual Arms and Systems - Prestige Collection❦ Armes insolites et systèmes – Collection Prestige des armes

History of France’s leading newspaper under the Third Republic❦ Histoire du plus grand quotidien de la 3e République le Petit parisien 1876-1944

American Industry in 1908❦ L’Industrie américaine 1908

20th Century Jewelry Art❦ Bijoux au XXè siècle

Plaster medal of Splendor Rei Novalis❦ Médaille en plâtre splendor rei novalis 41 mm

Autograph letter by Pierre Louÿs❦ Pierre Louÿs BELLE LETTRE AUTOGRAPHE MANUSCRITE

1837 Keepsake: Paris-Londres with rare illustrations❦ KEEPSAKE Paris-Londres. Keepsake français 1837

Charles Coypel (1694–1762): Master Painter and Court Artist❦ Coypel – Charles Coypel 1694-1762

Stencil on thick paper, 40.5 x 30.5 cm, artist's name illegible❦ Pochoir sur papier fort, 40,5 x 30,5 cm, nom de l’artiste illisible

Paul Gauguin’s Complete Facsimile Collection❦ GAUGUIN, Paul Le sourire de Paul Gauguin

Hypnotism at a distance: thought transmission and mental suggestion❦ hypnotisme à distance la transmission de la pensée et la suggestion mentale

Jean Barbier’s Bread Call: Rare Original Edition❦ PAIN BARBIER Jean L’appel du pain Bloud & Gay 1940 EO

Désaugiers’ 1833 Chansons et Poésies diverses❦ mini Désaugiers Chansons et Poésies diverses 1833

Marcel Aymé’s 1950 Short Stories❦ AYME MARCEL EN ARRIERE – NOUVELLES 1950

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