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

Political Voting Bulletin❦ Politique GILL André Le bulletin de vote

Savoy Duchy Map by Blaeuw❦ Savoie carte Sabaudia Ducatus. Savoye Blaeuw ca. 1630

Commemorative album of the 1909 Provence earthquake❦ tremblement 11/6/ 1909 ALBUM SOUVENIR DU TREMBLEMENT DE TERRE en PROVENCE

Toy Procession - Whimsical Tales❦ DELBO La cavalcade des joujoux

Jewish History: A Brief Overview❦ JUIF THARAUD (Jean & Jérôme) Petite histoire des juifs

Autographed Letter from Maurice DRUON❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

French Modern Paintings & Drawings, 18th Century❦ Parke-Bernet Galleries French Modern Paintings & Drawings 18eme 1959

Paul Valéry’s reflections on modern society❦ VALERY PAUL REGARDS SUR LE MONDE ACTUEL 1931

A Mysterious Lover's Confession❦ CONSTANT Adolphe. Anecdote trouvée dans les papiers d’un inconnu 1857

A Theatrical Company's Comic Adventures❦ SCARRON Le roman comique 1888 ill-Zier

The Burghers of Calais - Illustrated Edition❦ CALAIS WITT MME DE ( NEE GUIZOT) LES BOURGEOIS DE CALAIS ill-Zier

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

Agricultural and Wine Progress 1907 - First Half❦ Le Progrès Agricole et Viticole 1907 – 1er semestre

Young Robinson in Paris - Illustrated❦ Robinson Foa Eugénie Le Petit Robinson de Paris ill- de Giffey

Illustrated Works by Courteline❦ COURTELINE (2 TOMES) illustré par DIGNIMONT

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