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

Univers or the 300 Most Picturesque Views of the Globe❦ Univers ou les 300 vues les plus pittoresques du globe

gers 32 Yearbook of the department of Gers, with the Toaldo System 1827❦ gers 32 Annuaire du département du Gers, avec le Système de Toaldo 1827

Essai sur les maladies des gens du monde by TISSOT, 1770❦ gens du monde TISSOT Essai sur les maladies des gens du monde 1770

MAUCLAIR Charme de Bruges. Illustrations in colour by Henri Cassier on Vélin❦ MAUCLAIR Charme de Bruges. Illustrations en couleurs d’Henri Cassier sur Vélin

Charles Estienne & Art in Paris 1945-1966❦ Charles Estienne & l’art à Paris 1945-1966

Hetzel Verne Le Tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours. Le Docteur Ox (Hetzel globe doré)❦ hetzel verne Le Tour du monde en 80 jours. Le Docteur Ox Hetzel globe doré

hetzel Une ville flottante Aventures de trois Russes et de trois Anglais OBUS

Curiosa erotic herbarium- Stories and legends of aphrodisiac plants❦ curiosa herbier érotique- Histoires et légendes de plantes aphrodisiaques

verne MICHEL STROGOFF MOSCOU-IRKOUTSK - COLLECTION HETZEL elephant❦ verne MICHEL STROGOFF MOSCOU-IRKOUTSK – COLLECTION HETZEL éléphant

Belgium Fiftieth Anniversary of the Belgian Railways. 1835–1885. Historical procession❦ belgique Cinquantenaire des Chemins de fer Belges. 1835-1885. Cortège historique

Contes et Histoires pour les enfants 1883, illustrated by Gillot❦ contes et Histoires pour les enfants 1883 illustré par Gillot

arpenter lever les plans, arpentage nivellement et lavis des plans THIOLLET 1834

Cabinet of the Stamps of the Imprimerie Nationale❦ cabinet des Poinçons de l’Imprimerie Nationale

Library of a Man of Taste, or Picture of Literature 1798❦ bibliothèque d’un homme de goût, ou tableau de la littérature 1798

surveyor and geometer the art 1845 treatise on geometry❦ géomètre arpenteur l’art 1845 traité de géométrie

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