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

When Fairies Lived in France❦ OSTROGA LORIOUX, Félix (ill.) BOURGET Quand les fées vivaient en France

Major Scientific Inventions Overview❦ FIGUIER LES GRANDES INVENTIONS ANCIENNES ET MODERNES DANS LES SCIENCES 1865

French lighting industry in the early 20th century❦ Lumière grandes industries de la France. L’éclairage

Discrédit: Original Poetry Collection with Author’s Dedication❦ PICART LE DOUX (Charles). Discrédit. Poèmes + dédicace

Hardouin-Mansart: Grand Architect of Louis XIV❦ Mansart JULES HARDOUIN MANSART

History of Arms from the Stone Age❦ arme MAINDRON LES ARMES

Saône-et-Loire: Geography and Heritage in 1871❦ SAONE-ET-LOIRE Adolphe Joanne***GEOGRAPHIE 71

Piety book for schoolgirl and family life❦ Piété Le livre de piété de la jeune fille au pensionnat et dans sa famille

Zenner’s Light Music with Dedication❦ Zenner musique légère + dédicace

1860 China Expedition Report by RANDON & BLONDEL❦ Chine RANDON (Maréchal Cte) BLONDEL (Général) Relation de l’Expédition de Chine

Secrets of the Master Sorcerer❦ MAGIE secrets du maître sorcier

Maurice DRUON: Silver Gelatin Photographs❦ Maurice DRUON 66 x 88 mm. 8 photos argentiques

1939 Infantry Machine Gun Officer’s Manual❦ mitrailleur Guide de l’officier mitrailleur d’accompagnement 1939

Life of Saint Vincent de Paul❦ Vie des Saint Vincent de Paul

Memoirs of a Converted Philosopher’s Triumph of Faith❦ Triomphe de l’Evangile ou Mémoires d’un homme, revenu des erreurs de philosophie

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