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

zug Train Märklin & Cie: Märklin. 1960/61 Catalogue❦ zug Train Märklin & Cie: Märklin. 1960/61 Katalog

MECCANO - HORNBY TRAINS - DINKY TOYS MECCANO. 1955-59❦ MECCANO – TRAINS HORNBY – DINKY TOYS MECCANO. 1955-59

Superstitions & Beliefs: A Dictionary of Popular Superstitions❦ superstitions & des croyances populaire dictionnaire

pop-up Le Loup et les Sept Chevrettes Lucos

Trains JEP Catalogue JEP, 1954

La Fontaine Fables de La Fontaine with illustrations by Oudry❦ La Fontaine Fables de La Fontaine avec les figures d’Oudry

Companies of the Indies❦ Compagnies des Indes

Bretagne Per Jakez Le Cheval d'Orgueil. Mémoires d'un Breton du Pays Bigouden❦ bretagne Per Jakez Le cheval d’orgueil. Mémoires d’un Breton du pays bigouden

William Shakespeare Complete Works❦ Shakespeare William Oeuvres complètes Bonnot

Verne Jules LE SPHINX DES GLACES Hetzel

Prosper Mérimée Venus d'Ille, Double Méprise, Les Âmes du Purgatoire❦ Merimee Prosper Venus d’Ille Double Meprise Les Ames du Purgatoire ill-Labocetta

Louise d'ESPARBES COMTESSE DE POLASTRON - THE QUEENS OF THE EMIGRATION 1907❦ Louise d’ESPARBES COMTESSE DE POLASTRON – LES REINES DE L’EMIGRATION 1907

ZOLA SCHWABE METIVET Le Rêve EO

auto vélo Mestre & Blatgé The world's leading house for supplies❦ auto vélo Mestre & Blatgé La plus importante maison du monde pour fournitures

Pyrénées Route des Pyrénées. Chemins de fer du Midi & d'Orléans 1914❦ pyrénées Route des Pyrénées. Chemins de fer du Midi & d’Orléans 1914

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