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

Trimarans and Multihulls: History and Development❦ Trimarans et autres multicoques Histoire et développements 1980

The Watteau Brothers of Lille: Louis and François❦ Watteau de Lille Louis Watteau ( 1731-1798 ). François Watteau (1758-1823)

Portrait of an Elderly Woman, 1906❦ Vieille femme 1906

German Imperial Couple - Historical Postcards❦ Kaiser Willhelm II & Augusta Viktoria DEUTSCHLAND Guillaume II

Mountain postcards by Lelée❦ Montagne MONTAGNARDES Lelée

Mirabeau's Love Letters❦ Proth, Mario Lettres d’Amour de Mirabeau

Belle Époque elegance: Preparation mirror❦ élegance BELLE EPOQUE Miroir préparatifs

Scientific and Industrial Treatise on Ramie Fiber❦ Traité scientifique et industriel de la Ramie

Belle Époque elegance and aesthetics❦ élegance BELLE EPOQUE 1907 W. BRAYN

Historical annals of France 1840❦ France, Annales historiques 1840

Belle Époque elegance and style, 1904❦ élegance BELLE EPOQUE 1904

Chinese Drama - Celestial Daughter❦ Loti Pierre LA FILLE DU CIEL – DRAME CHINOIS

Vienna Belle Époque elegance❦ élegance BELLE EPOQUE Vienne

A Young Poor Officer❦ Loti Pierre Un jeune officier pauvre. Fragments de journal intime rassemblés EO

Set of 5 postcards featuring maid themes❦ French Maid bonne, femme de ménage, soubrette

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