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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Livres anciens, de collection

Freemasonry: From the Knight of the Orient to Kadosch❦ Franc-maçonnerie Du chevalier d’Orient au chevalier Kadosch

Morin’s 1945 illustrated edition of Le Prisonnier du Rajah❦ ORO alba d’ LE PRISONNIER DU RAJAH 1945, dessins de Morin

Original 1948 hand-drawn pin-up illustrations❦ Curiosa dessins originaux à la main, datés et signés pin-up 1948

Nollet’s Physics Lessons with Copperplate Illustrations❦ NOLLET, abbé (Jean-Antoine). Leçons de physique expérimentale 1750

Vintage embroidery collection volumes 12-17 & 77❦ TOUTE LA BRODERIE n°12 à 17 & n°77

Alsace Baroque Classicism 1660-1790❦ ALSACE ALSACE BAROQUE CLASSIQUE 1660-1790

Strolling through France with a dedication❦ HALLAYS En flânant à travers la France + dédicace

Bracquemont Parish History❦ Bracquemont Histoire de la paroisse de Bracquemont, depuis les temps les plus

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

American Industry in 1908❦ L’Industrie américaine 1908

20th Century Jewelry Art❦ Bijoux au XXè siècle

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

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

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

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