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

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

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

Sentimental Jewelry from Renaissance to Modern Times❦ BIJOU Grand frisson – Le bijou de sentiment de la Renaissance à nos jours

Victorian novel with refined illustrations❦ DICKENS DAVID COPPERFIELD. ILLUSTRATIONS DE BERTHOLD MAHN

Original edition signed by the artist❦ EFFEL (Jean) La création de l’homme Le roman d’Adam et Eve + dédicace

Draner’s vivid depiction of the French Republican Army❦ DRANER Les Soldats de La République, l’armée française en campagne

Romanesque Sculpture of Languedoc❦ SCULPTURE ROMANE LANGUEDOCIENNE

Practical archives of ancient documents❦ archives pratique des documents anciens. Actes publics et notariés documents…

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

French Songbook for Ladies 1813❦ Chansonnier français ou etrennes des dames 1813

Hunting Dogs Overview❦ chiens d’arrêt côté chasse

Napoleon’s Marengo Campaign❦ Napoléon Thiry Marengo

Marshal Franchet d'Espèrey's 1935 Academy Speech❦ Maréchal Franchet d’Espèrey Discours prononcés dans la séance publique 1935

History of the Vendée War and the Chouans❦ Vendée Histoire de la Guerre de Vendée et des Chouans 1820

Modern Fishing Gear 1938❦ pêches modernes 1938

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