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

FRANCE Anatole Contes de Jacques Tournebroche illustrated Lebègue❦ FRANCE Anatole Contes de Jacques Tournebroche illustré Lebègue

ARNOUX ALEXANDRE. LES GENTILSHOMMES DE CEINTURE. on vellum❦ ARNOUX ALEXANDRE. LES GENTILSHOMMES DE CEINTURE. sur vélin

Heures mignonnes à l'usage universel 1809 miniature 50 x 65 mm❦ heures mignonnes à l’usage universel 1809 miniature 50 x 65 mm.

Life in the Netherlands in the 17th Century. Paintings, Drawings, Prints, Silverware...❦ Vie en Hollande au XVII siècle. Tableaux, dessins, estampes, argenterie…

Jerusalem Delivered 1818❦ Jérusalem délivrée 1818

Plaster medal 55 mm❦ Médaille en plâtre 55 mm.

Henri IV Oeuvres de Henri IV : Lettres et Harangues

Plaster seal medal 42 mm❦ Médaille Sceaux en plâtre 42 mm

Jerusalem THE BOOK OF PSALMS minuscule 33 x 54 mm.❦ Jérusalem THE BOOK OF PSALMS minuscule 33 x 54 mm.

Mouloudji Enrico + dedication❦ Mouloudji enrico + dédicace

Greek dict. Lilliput Modern Greek–French miniature 36 × 50 mm❦ grec dict. lilliput Grec moderne français minuscule 36 x 50 mm.

Oscar Wilde. Salomé. Illustrations by Alastair. 1923❦ WILDE (Oscar). Salomé. Dessins d’Alastair 1923

William Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream 37 x 54 mm. Miniature❦ William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 37 x 54 mm. Miniature

IMITATIONE CHRISTI. Four Books. 1829 miniature❦ IMITATIONE CHRISTI. Libri quatuor Sumptibus 1829 MINUSCULE

miniature BIBLE. The Illustrated Bible: also verses entitled Railway 40x63 mm.❦ miniature BIBLE. The Illustrated Bible: also verses entitled Railway 40×63 mm.

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