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 Hallé Dynasty: Three Generations of Artists❦ Hallé Une dynastie. Les Hallé Daniel ( 1614-1675 ) – Claude-Guy ( 1652-1736 ) –

Aircraft Maintenance Manual 1963❦ Aéronautique entretien des aéronefs 1963

Journeys in the South Seas❦ MOERENHOUT Voyages aux Iles du Grand Océan

Flaubert’s Masterpieces in One Volume❦ Flaubert Madame Bovary + Salammbô (non coupés)

Louis IX and His Era❦ Saint-Louis et son temps

True France - First Edition❦ SAINT-YVES D’ALVEYDRE La France vraie EO

Ali Ben-Bekar and the Beautiful Schamsennahr❦ Mardrus Histoire d’Ali Ben-Bekar et de la belle Schamsennahr. Un Conte PIAZZA

Visconti: Life and Works 1791-1853❦ Visconti 1791-1853

Ovid's Amours & Art of Love - Bécat Illustrated Pair❦ Curiosa OVIDE. Les Amours & l’art d’aimer ill-Bécat (la paire)

Imperial Tapestry Manufactures History❦ Gobelins Notice historique sur les manufactures impériales des Gobelins 1853

An exploration of Dali's artistry❦ DALI de DRAEGER. C. Draeger – Le Soleil Noir, 1968

A Pictorial Guide to Paris❦ Paris en miniature guide pittoresque de voyageur 1858

Napoleon: Arts and History Gallery - Steel Engravings 1836❦ Napoléon galerie des arts et de l’histoire 1836

The Planter's Son - Adventure across British and American colonies❦ Maurice Champagne – A.Raynolt. Le Fils du Planteur

My Vipers: Natural History Study❦ serpent Dumont André Mes vipères

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