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

Contes et Histoires pour les enfants 1883, illustrated by Gillot❦ contes et Histoires pour les enfants 1883 illustré par Gillot

arpenter lever les plans, arpentage nivellement et lavis des plans THIOLLET 1834

Cabinet of the Stamps of the Imprimerie Nationale❦ cabinet des Poinçons de l’Imprimerie Nationale

Library of a Man of Taste, or Picture of Literature 1798❦ bibliothèque d’un homme de goût, ou tableau de la littérature 1798

surveyor and geometer the art 1845 treatise on geometry❦ géomètre arpenteur l’art 1845 traité de géométrie

Historical Account of the 23rd Infantry Regiment during the War 1914–1918❦ Historique du 23e Régiment d’Infanterie au cours de la Guerre 1914-1918

Rouen; summary of its history, its commerce, its industry, its manufactures. 1827❦ Rouen ;. précis de son histoire, son commerce , son industrie, ses manufac. 1827

AMOURS DE CATHERINE DE BOURBON, sister of the King and the Comte de Soissons HENRI IV❦ AMOURS DE CATHERINE DE BOURBON, soeur du Roi et du Comte de Soissons HENRI IV

Jules BARBEY D'AUREVILLY. Les Ridicules du temps 1882❦ Jules BARBEY D’AUREVILLY. Les Ridicules du temps 1882

BORDEAUX HENRY THE HEROIC LIFE OF GUYNEMER - THE AIR KNIGHT❦ BORDEAUX HENRY LA VIE HEROIQUE DE GUYNEMER – LE CHEVALIER DE L’AIR

Agenda for Farmers and Winemakers 1907❦ Agenda des agriculteurs et des viticulteurs 1907

Mourlot 100 Years of Mechanical Locomotion – Lithographs by Pierre Noury❦ mourlot 100 années de locomotion mécanique – Lithographies de Pierre Noury

Hauvette Noces marines❦ Hauvette noces marines

gendarmerie Annotated Decree of 20 May 1903 on Organisation and Service 1937❦ gendarmerie Décret annoté du 20 mai 1903 sur l’organisation et le service 1937

Roman de Renart Bonnot. 1975

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