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

Complete Biblical History with Old and New Testament❦ Testament Histoire Sainte comprenant l’Ancien et le Nouveau Testament Hetzel

Archaeological Collections of the Picardy Museum❦ collections archéologiques du Musée de Picardie

The Bloody Pacifist❦ JOLINON Joseph Le Pacifiste Sanguinaire+dédicace

Practical Lighting Solutions for Interiors❦ Lumière. Toutes les solutions pratiques pour éclairer votre intérieur

Devotional Visits to the Sacrament❦ Mini Visites au Saint Sacrement et à la Sainte Vierge 1879, 66 x 100 mm.

A journey in a floral kingdom❦ NEWMAN Isidora DANS LE ROYAUME DES FLEURS ill-Pogany

A Prince's Literary Journey❦ Perret Rôle de Plaisance

A study on Julius Caesar❦ MANSOUR (Joyce) Jules César Seghers 1956

Hunting the Elephant: A Virtuous Guide❦ CARLEGLE La chasse à l’éléphant ou « les Vertus ménagères »

Adventures of Bille and Cube❦ MICHA Bille et Cube à travers le Monde

Erasmus' Praise of Folly Illustrated❦ erasme Eloge de la Folie Dessins de Hans Holbein

Life in Bohemia: A Portrait❦ Henri Murger Scènes de la vie de Bohème

Genevan tales with author's illustrations❦ SUISSE TÖPFFER nouvelles genevoises

Municipal Reports on Old Paris❦ PARIS COMMISSION MUNICIPALE DU VIEUX PARIS,1914/15

A guide to Paris in 1931❦ Paris-Guide et Annuaire France-Amérique 1931

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