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

Basket of Flowers for the Madonna 1869❦ Corbeille de fleurs pour la Madone 1869

Hugo Victor, Le Dernier Jour d'un condamné – Claude Gueux 15 x 10 cm.❦ HUGO VICTOR LE DERNIER JOUR D’UN CONDAMNE – CLAUDE GUEUX 15 x 10 cm.

BLISMON L'Ami de la Famille, couplets pour fêtes nationales bib. des chanteurs❦ BLISMON L’Ami de la Famille, couplets pour fêtes nationales bib. des chanteurs

Tharaud La Rose de Sâron 1927, edition originale on pure laid paper❦ Tharaud La rose de Sâron 1927 EO sur pur fil

Gillet Galerie de France 1961

The Perseverance, or The Young Girl Under the Guidance of Marie❦ LA PERSEVERANCE OU LA JEUNE FILLE SOUS LA CONSUITE DE MARIE

Occult documents for the history of the Fareinists THE ILLUMINATED OF FAREINS❦ Occulte documents pour l’histoire des Fareinistes LES ILLUMINES DE FAREINS

Counsels of the Rev. Father OLIVAINT to Young People❦ Conseils du R.P. OLIVAINT aux Jeunes Gens.

CATALOGUE OF THE COLLECTION OF FINE FRENCH FURNITURE, OBJECTS OF ART AND PORCELAIN❦ CATALOGUE OF THE COLLECTION OF FINE FRENCH FURNITURE, OBJECTS OF ART AND PORCELA

M. Schwob Moi, Juif. Posthumous Book 1928❦ SCHWOB Moi, Juif. Livre Posthume 1928

The True Face of Mussorgsky: His Life and Works❦ Le vrai visage de Moussorgski, sa vie, son oeuvre.

Introduction to Contemporary Linguistic Problems❦ Initiation aux problèmes des linguistiques contemporaines

The Water that Dances The Stone that Sings The Bird that Speaks 1920❦ L’EAU QUI DANSE LA PIERRE QUI CHANTE L’OISEAU QUI PARLE 1920

TZARS AND MIKADOS: The Battle of TSUSHIMA❦ TZARS ET MIKADOS la bataille de TSOUSHIMA

Camping by Ballereau illustrated with 90 figures and 8 plates 1949❦ Camping par Ballereau ilustre de 90 figures et 8 pages hors texte 1949

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