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

1893: Futuristic Social Customs❦ MAISONNEUVE G. 1893. Moeurs de demain

Christian Festivals Illustrated, 1837❦ Tableau des Fêtes chrétiennes. 1837

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

Railway Technology in 1896❦ LOCOMOTIVE ET MATERIEL ROULANT 1896

Early sailing yachting guide with nautical terms❦ YACHING Premières notions yachting à voile Suivies d’un vocabulaire des termes

Medieval & Renaissance Arts by Paul Lacroix❦ LACROIX Paul Les Arts au Moyen-Âge et à l’époque de la Renaissance 1877

Kravchenko vs. Moscow: Legal Arguments by Heismann & Izard❦ Kravchenko contre Moscou- Plaidoiries de Me Heismann et de Me Izard

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

Marie de France's Lais in Art Edition❦ LAIS DE MARIE FRANCE Piazza

Tarbes 1925 pharmacy agenda❦ Pharmacie du progrès Tarbes 1925 agenda

Breton fairy tale with original lithographs❦ MELANDRI Les Farfadets. Conte breton. Illustrations de Henri RIVIERE

Robida’s Treasure of Carcassonne❦ ROBIDA (A.) LE TRESOR DE CARCASSONNE

Mysteries of the Black Forest (1917)❦ CAMI LES MYSTÈRES DE LA FORÊT NOIRE 1917

Hungarian Art 1900 at Petit Palais❦ L’ART 1900 EN HONGRIE – PETIT PALAIS DECEMBRE 1976

The Swan and the Water Lily by Donadini❦ Jean-Paul DONADINI Le cygne et le nénuphar Lithographie originale Signée

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