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

Literary journal on architecture and heritage❦ Max Pons La Barbacane . Revue des pierres et des hommes

Maritime Art and Crafts of Seafaring People❦ Marine L’Art dans la Marine. Art et Artisanat des gens de mer

Educational journal for mothers and children❦ journal des mères et des enfants

Leather Postcard - Affectionate Dutch Greeting❦ Carte postale en cuir My dear Little Dutch

Swan and Water Lily - Original Lithograph❦ Jean-Paul DONADINI Le cygne et le nénuphar Lithographie originale Signée

Original lithograph of white lampposts❦ Jean-Luc Lecoindre Lith- originales Les lampadaires blancs

Painted wooden postcard, 1908❦ Carte postale en bois peint 1908

Buddha Buddha's Hand Original Painting❦ Bouddha Main de Bouddha peinture originale

Saint Joseph with Christ Child - Steel Engraving❦ Saint Joseph et l’enfant Jésus Murillo Gravure sur acier

Airborne adventurers illustrated❦ BOUSSENARD Aventuriers de l’air. Illustrations de J. Beuzon

Egypt - 18th century engraving❦ Egypte 21 x 35 cm. XVIIIème

Scenes of the Seine and Old Trades❦ Bords de Seine, vieux métiers 1908

State railway map from Paris to London❦ BRIGHTON chemin de fer de l’état Paris à LONDRES… 7 CPA

19th Century Lithograph of the Holy Cross❦ Elevation de la Sainte Croix Lithographie XIXème

Stenciled Artwork on Heavy Paper❦ Pochoir sur papier fort, 40,5 x 30,5 cm, nom de l’artiste illisible

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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