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

Parisian Election Ball Satire❦ Le Bal des élections

French friendship: Rolland & Péguy’s letters❦ ROLLAND ROMAIN / SAFFREY ALFRED UNE AMITIE FRANCAISE + dédicace

Naumann & Zirkel’s 1901 Mineralogy Elements❦ Mineralogie Elemente der Mineralogie 1901

Toby Finck & Sons: Rare Ephemeral Pamphlet❦ chien TOBY FINCK & FILS

Wolfgang Paalen: A Surrealist Vision❦ WOLFGANG PAALEN 1980

Ancient Greek tales in 19th-century translation❦ Louÿs Scènes de la vie des courtisanes Lucien de Samosate + dédicace

Chantilly Castle and Racing in 1879❦ Chantilly LECERF Hippolyte LE CHATEAU DE CHANTILLY ET LES COURSES 1879

Adolphe Cadéot’s life in 1851 Fleurance❦ Fleurance GERS 32 vie de Adolphe Cadéot 1851

Catalogue of public art auctions (1737–1868)❦ DEFER CATALOGUE GENERAL des ventes publiques de TABLEAUX ET ESTAMPES depuis

19th-century Latin library medals guide❦ Médaille Iconographie de la bibliothèque latine explication des médailles 1885

Tolstoy’s Resurrection in Original 1900 Edition❦ TOLSTOI Léon Résurrection 1900 EO

Vestigia Flammae by RÈGNIER, 1921 with dedication❦ Règnier Vestigia Flammae 1921 + dédicace

Hunting Scene by Alain Chartier 1977❦ Chasse Alain Chartier HALLALI! 1977

19th-century original engravings❦ Gravure originale au XIXe siècle.

Shelters and the People Who Build Them❦ Cabane Des cabanes et des hommes

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