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

A comprehensive look at medieval to Renaissance art❦ Decorative Arts from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance

French biographical directory 1957-58❦ Who`s Who in France (3e édition). Dictionnaire biographique 1957-58

Lyrical almanac for ladies with songs and engravings❦ Almanach lyrique des dames. Bachelette et Jouvenceau 1826

German Military Forces Steel Engraving circa 1915❦ Gravure sur acier ARMEE ALLEMANDE vers 1915 61 x 46 cm

Fashion History: Illustrated from Art & Period Documents❦ Mode. Nach Bildern, Kunstwerken, Stichen und Stichen der Zeit 1923

Bibliography of Baron Rothschild's library❦ Catalogue des livres composant la bibliothèque de feu M. le baron James de Ro…

Friends of our Children❦ cartonnage les amis de nos enfants

Diplomatic Memories from the Revolution❦ Montgaillard Souvenirs du Comte agent de la diplomatie secrète pendant la Révolu

Biography of a Saintly Priest❦ Vie de M. Delalande, Curé de Grigny, Mort en Odeur de Sainteté 1773

Beautiful signed letter to a poet❦ Henry Bataille belle lettre autographe signée

Remarkable Ornaments from an Industrial Exhibition❦ ornements remarquables de l’exposition hongroise industrielle des ouvrages de…

Guide to Civil and Military Architecture❦ Abécédaire ou rudiment d’archéologie 1869

A collection of anecdotes and narratives❦ ORNEMENT DE L’ESPRIT ET DE LA MEMOIRE 1820 65 x 105 mm.

Civil engineering weekly journal on industries❦ génie civil Revue générale hebdomadaire des industries françaises et étran…

The Heptameron of Marguerite of Navarre❦ NAVARRE L’Heptaméron des Nouvelles de Marguerite d’Angoulesme 1879

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