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

Oscar Wilde. Salomé. Illustrations by Alastair. 1923❦ WILDE (Oscar). Salomé. Dessins d’Alastair 1923

William Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream 37 x 54 mm. Miniature❦ William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 37 x 54 mm. Miniature

IMITATIONE CHRISTI. Four Books. 1829 miniature❦ IMITATIONE CHRISTI. Libri quatuor Sumptibus 1829 MINUSCULE

miniature BIBLE. The Illustrated Bible: also verses entitled Railway 40x63 mm.❦ miniature BIBLE. The Illustrated Bible: also verses entitled Railway 40×63 mm.

miniature book King Henry VIII Shakespeare 35 x 55 mm❦ miniature book King Henry VIII Shakespeare 35 x 55 mm.

CHANSONS JOYEUSES and de TABLE by PIRON, COLLÉ, GALLÉ, PANARD 50 x 69 mm.❦ CHANSONS JOYEUSES et de TABLE par PIRON, COLLÉ, GALLÉ, PANARD 50 x 69 mm.

Forêt instruction sur l’aménagement et l’administration des forêts 1824 Rouen Roumare 76❦ forêt instruction.. aménagemens administration des forêts 1824 Rouen Roumare 76

missal Petit Missel Romain No. 17 plates in ebonite❦ missel Petit Missel Romain n°17 plats en ébonite

Ajaccio, Hachette, 1893, 57 x 56 cm

Koran (Qur'an) in minute script, 38 x 25 x 14 mm❦ coran minuscule 38 x 25 x 14 mm. KORAN

Verhaeren Émile Choice of Poems❦ VERHAEREN EMILE CHOIX DE POEMES

VICTOR HUGO SELECTED PIECES OF VICTOR HUGO, THEATRE on laid paper❦ VICTOR HUGO MORCEAUX CHOISIS DE VICTOR HUGO, THEATRE sur vergé

Rodin Luxembourg AND AT RODIN 1930❦ Rodin Luxembourg ET CHEZ RODIN 1930

Kipling Rudyard Just So Stories❦ KIPLING RUDYARD NOUVEAUX CONTES DES COLLINES EO

JEUNESSE DE LA GRANDE MADEMOISELLE (1627-1652)

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