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

Manual technical detector portable devices 1943❦ Détecteur manuel technique appareils détecteurs portatifs 1943

French Communists during the Phoney War❦ communistes français pendant la drôle de guerre

Essays on Politics and History with Author's Inscription❦ Reinach Joseph Essais de politique et d’histoire + dédicace

Political Voting Bulletin❦ Politique GILL André Le bulletin de vote

Surrealism and Jorge Camacho❦ surréalisme Jorge Camacho

Autographed Letter from Maurice DRUON❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

The Art of Personal Grooming and Beauty❦ STAFFE (Baronne). Le Cabinet de Toilette 1891

Diderot & d'Alembert Encyclopedia: Tapestry & Gobelin Arts❦ Encyclopédie Diderot & d’Alembert tapissier tapisserie gobelins

Plaster Medal 54 mm❦ Médaille en plâtre 54 mm.

Adventure in China❦ Paul d’IVOI Cigale en Chine

Monsieur Synthèse's Secrets❦ BOUSSENARD LES SECRETS DE MONSIEUR SYNTHESE

Piron’s Selected Works in Miniature, 1826❦ Piron oeuvres choisies de Piron 1826 mini

Medieval Chivalry and Platonic Love Mysteries❦ Mystères de la chevalerie et de l’amour platonique au Moyen Âge

Comprehensive Guide to Building Laws❦ ARCHITECTURE Manuel des lois du bâtiment 1870

Montaigne: Life and Literary Works❦ Montaigne. L’Homme et l’Oeuvre 1893

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