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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Books, Comics, Magazines|Antique and Collectible Books

The Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie in Paris❦ Paris LA SAINTE-CHAPELLE ET LA CONCIERGERIE

Fortunio’s Eldorado: Rare Gautier Illustrated by Bécat❦ Gautier Fortunio ou l’Eldorado ill-Bécat

1878 World's Fair Visitor Guide❦ exposition universelle de 1878 guide du visiteur

Theodoric the Great: A Historical Account❦ Histoire de Théodose le Grand d’après Fléchier. 1850

The Duke of Berry and his double marriage❦ CASTELOT André LE DUC DE BERRY ET SON DOUBLE MARIAGE d’après des documents i..

Fur Trade and French-Indigenous Relations in North America❦ Indiens, la fourrure et les Blancs. Français et Amérindien

Toi and Me: A Poetic Masterpiece with Grau-Sala's Illustrations❦ TOI ET MOI Géraldy illustré Grau Sala sur vélin pur chiffon du Marais + suite

Napoleon’s 1812 Campaign Manuscript❦ Napoléon Manuscrit de mil huit cent douze

Curiosa: Magical Recipes for and against Love❦ Curiosa Recettes Magiques pour et contre l’Amour

Spirou Album 39 (1951)❦ Spirou album 39. 1951

Necker’s Truth for Louis XVI❦ Necker La vérité rendue sensible à Louis XVI 1782

Victor Louis: French Neo-Classical Architectural Triumph❦ Victor Louis (1731-1800) triomphe du goût français à l’époque néo-classique

Cross-stitch alphabet patterns from old Parisian motifs❦ Lettrines anciennes au point de croix Paris DMC

Aviation silhouettes: aircraft diagrams❦ Aviation silouettes d’avions diagrams of aeroplanes

Torture Museum: Historical Instruments❦ Torture MUSEE DES SUPPLICES

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