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

Unpublished manuscript facsimile chapter❦ Céline Féérie pour une autre fois

A Historical Overview of Le Havre❦ LE HAVRE Fernez Le Havre 1936 – 1944. Le casque anglais

Magritte Retrospective 1978-1979❦ MAGRITTE RETROSPECTIVE MAGRITTE 1978

Gulliver's Travels to Lilliput and Brobdingnag❦ SWIFT VOYAGES DE GULLIVER à Lilliput et à Brobdingnag

Chronicle of J. de Lalain - Medieval Burgundy❦ Chronique de J. de Lalain / Chastellain / Buchon

Bibliophilia Insights❦ bibliophilie FORMES ET COULEURS – N°4 – 1943

Aircraft silhouettes and aeronautical diagrams❦ Aviation silouettes d’avions diagrams of aeroplanes

Future of Freemasonry❦ Franc-maçonnerie avenir d’une tradition- chemins maçonniques

Extraordinary Toys by M. Gamage❦ jouets extraordinaires de M. Gamage. 1902 – 1906

Contemporary Art Insights❦ Art actuel. Skira annuel 1975

Guide to Armorial Bindings❦ Reliures armoiriées Manuel de l’Amateur de Reliures

Chagall's Works on Display in Switzerland❦ Chagall entre ciel et terre Fondation Gianadda

French Art of Living: A Luxury Heritage❦ Comtesse de Paris Haut de Gamme,L’Art de vivre à la française

Tragedy of Seneca's Death❦ TRISTAN La mort de Sénèque Tragédie Edition critique publiée par Jacques Madelei

Rustic and Decorative Ironwork❦ Ferronnerie, rustique et de style

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