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

Antique Gillette razor set in decorative box❦ Rasoir Gillette

Exploration of a Mysterious Island❦ Verne L’Ile Mystérieuse Hachette collection Hetzel

Artistic legacy of a bronze dynasty❦ BRONZES BARBEDIENNE – L’oeuvre d’une dynastie des fondeurs

Solesmes shooting club postcards❦ solesmes NORD stand de tir, tubes, caisse d’épargne 5 CPA

Nantes and its transporter bridge❦ Nantes la nacelle du pont transbordeur

Art Nouveau floral model study❦ modèle aux fleurs blanches ART NOUVEAU

Exploration of Ancient Indian Text❦ Curiosa Vatsyayana KAMA-SUTRA

Traditional Costumes of Aquitaine❦ COSTUMES TRADITIONNELS D’AQUITAINE

Chad Travel Journals of a Camel Rider (1936-1940)❦ Tchad Carnets De Route D’un Méhariste Au Tchad (1936-1940) Sépia

VICTOR HUGO TOLD BY A WITNESS OF HIS LIFE 1868❦ VICTOR HUGO RACONTE PAR UN TEMOIN DE SA VIE 1868

Decadent satire of Adoré Floupette❦ VICAIRE (Gabriel) & BEAUCLAIR (Henri) Les déliquescences d’Adoré Floupette

Exploration of the Isard Region❦ ISARD cinq frères Cadier & Un des cinq frères Cadier Au Pays des Isard

Tenerife Lace - DMC Collection Reference❦ Dentelle de Tenerife – Collection bibliothèque DMC Th.de Dillmont

Basque pelota players in action❦ Basque TARDETS Huit joueurs de pelote au but long – Pelote Basque

Authentic hair postcard❦ cheveux carte poste à cheveux (authentique)

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