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

The Locksmith's Art: Opening & Mastery❦ serrurier Ouverture de l’Art du Serrurier LA FIDELLE

The Mustard Seed - Spiritual Teaching❦ OMRAAM MIKHAËL AÏVANHOV . LE GRAIN DE SENEVE

The Jungle Book by KIPLING❦ Kipling Rudyard livre de la jungle 1938

Mr. and Mrs. and the Automobile❦ Monsieur, Madame et l’auto 1907

Rural customs and traditions of Marche region❦ Creuse ESSAI SUR LES VIEILLES COUTUMES RUSTIQUES DU PAYS MARCHOIS

French Mountain Federation Pyrenees Ski Routes❦ SKI Fédération française de la montagne Pyrénées itinéraires-skieurs

The Gods Are Thirsty - Van Dongen lithograph edition❦ van Dongen FRANCE Les dieux ont soif

Water cultivation treatise❦ Millet La Culture de l’Eau 1870

Advanced Military Artillery Training Manual❦ Artillerie préparation militaire supérieure

Jesuit missionaries among the Betsileo people❦ Madagascar Ils ne sont que quarante. Les Jésuites chez les Betsiléos

Montmartre's Golden Age Memoirs❦ Dorgelès au beau temps de la butte 1963

The Legend of King Albert I of Belgium❦ LA LEGENDE D’ALBERT 1er – ROI DES BELGES dessins de Hergé

French National Almanac 1844-1846❦ Almanach de France publié par la Société Nationale année 1844-45-46

Nicolas catalog from 1960❦ Vin catalogue Nicolas, 1960

Unpublished chapter in facsimile❦ Céline Féérie pour une autre fois

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