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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Our Antiquarian Books Catalog

European Porcelain Collector's Manual 1914❦ porcelaine Manuel de l’amateur de porcelaines 1914

Himalayan Primitive Art Unveiled❦ À masque découvert. Regards sur l’art primitif de l’Himalaya

Love’s Theater: A Collection of Plays by PORTO-RICHE❦ PORTO-RICHE Théâtre d’amour DÉDICACE

Mental Hygiene Journal of Applied Psychiatry 1936❦ hygiène mentale journal de psychiatrie appliquée XXXIe anné 1936 –

Mental Hygiene Journal of Applied Psychiatry 1935❦ hygiène mentale journal de psychiatrie appliquée XXXe anné 1935 –

Hyacinthe-Loyson Le collier des songes

Nancy 1822 Church Missal for Diocese❦ NANCY livre d’église à l’usage du diocèse de Nancy 1822

Tancarville Bridge Construction❦ Havre Le Pont de Tancarville – Genèse et réalisation 1959

Paris through military history❦ Paris Militaire à travers l’Histoire

Modern Mexico in 1909❦ mexique Le Mexique moderne 1909

Maurice Chapelain’s 1957 Main Courante with Author’s Dedication❦ CHAPELAIN (Maurice) Main courante + dédicace

Medieval fortified towns and villages in France❦ Atlas des villes et villages fortifiés en France

Rustic Interiors by Charles Brun❦ Intérieurs rustiques par Charles Brun

French POWs in WWII: A Historical Account❦ captivité Histoire des prisonniers de guerre français 1939 1945

Artist’s Self-Portraits and the Mirror❦ Autoportrait peintre et son miroir. Préface de Gérard Mourgue

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