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

Normandy’s Coastal Landscapes in 1890❦ LITTORAL DE LA FRANCE – Côtes Normandes

Dolgoroukow’s 1861 exposé on Russia❦ Russie Dolgoroukow La Vérite sur La Russie 1861

Gauguin: Before and After❦ Gauguin PAUL GAUGUIN AVANT ET APRES

Joan of Arc: A Historical Account with Medieval Engravings❦ HANOTAUX (Gabriel). JEANNE D’ARC. 1911

Rare 1943 edition of 'La Célestine' with illustrations❦ Rojas, Fernando/ Paul Achard La Célestine Tragi-comédie

Napoleon’s Moscow Fire: September 15, 1812❦ Napoléon L’incendie de Moscou. 15 septembre 1812

Andersen’s Fairy Tales Illustrated by Hedvig Collin❦ Hans Christian Andersen Contes d’Anderson

Ottoman cavalry and infantry in watercolor❦ Turquie cavalerie infanterie, aquarellé

Strolling through Touraine, Anjou and Maine❦ Touraine HALLAYS, André En flanant à travers la France, Touraine, Anjou et Maine

Singer No. 15K88 sewing machine manual❦ instructions pour l’emploi de la machine à coudre Singer No. 15K88

Memories of the Restoration❦ SOUVENIRS DE LA RESTAURATION

PTT Ministry of PTT Telegraph 1930❦ PTT ministère des PTT télégraphiez 1930

Exploration of Love and Desire❦ Lucile et la volupté 1958

Rustic and Stylish Ironwork from the 1950s❦ FERRONNERIE RUSTIQUE ET DE STYLE

Anna Karenina by Tolstoy❦ TOLSTOI Léon ANNA KARENINE – Roman

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