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

French adaptation of Walter Scott's Janet❦ Walter Scott français Janet

Communicating Vessels: Surrealist Meditation❦ Breton (André). Les Vases communicants

Gems and minerals overview❦ Gemmes et minéraux 1979

Maritime adventure and exotic voyages❦ CHADOURNE Marc : Vasco 1927 bois de Deslignières

A joyful depiction of Alsace❦ HANSI L’Alsace heureuse

L'Associée - Dedication copy 1903❦ Muhlfeld L’Associée 1903 envoi

Historical Dictionary of Parisian Streets❦ Paris HILLAIRET DICTIONNAIRE HISTORIQUE DES RUES DE PARIS

Enamels and Cameos: Definitive Edition with Etching❦ Theophile Gautier EMAUX ET CAMEES. Edition definitive Avec-une eau-forte

Christian Tunisia: Historical and Religious Study❦ Tunisie DE SAINTE-MARIE – LA TUNISIE CHRETIENNE – 1878

Exploration of Tahiti and its Archipelagos❦ TAHITI ET SES ARCHIPELS – POLYNESIE FRANCAISE 1958

Māori Art: Brian Brake's photographic legacy❦ maori Art Brian Brake

General Cartulary of Paris❦ Cartulaire général de Paris, ou Recueil de documents relatifs à l’histoir..

Bronze Portrait Bust of Georges Mandel❦ Georges Mandel 66 mm., BRONZE., signée François Cogné

Royal Pleasures: A Curious Collection❦ curiosa plaisirs du roi

Persian Letters - Critical Edition❦ MONTESQUIEU (PAR BARCKHAUSEN HENRI) LETTRES PERSANES 1913

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