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

Historical photo of a French officer❦ Photo ancienne officier français 106 x 62 mm.

Theatrical Reference on Figaro's Marriage❦ Répertoire populaire du Théâtre-Français mariage de Figaro 1826 MINI

Mediator of a New Covenant❦ Jésus, médiateur d’une alliance nouvelle

Life and Prophecies of Gobineau❦ Gibineau VIE ET LES PROPHETIES DU COMTE DE GOBINEAU

Photographic view of Ligny-en-Barrois❦ Ligny-en-Barrois MEUSE rue Leroux

Van Oest Editions Overview 1904-1929❦ Editions Van Oest 1904-1929, catalogue général Les éditions G. Van Oest

Exploring Heart and Embryology❦ Job, de l’errance du coeur au secret de l’embryologie

A historical overview of family organization❦ Famille HISTOIRE DE L’ORGANISATION DE LA FAMILLE EN FRANCE 1851

Epernay postal card with remuage detail❦ Épernay, Place Auban-Moet + remuage

Exploring Unfamiliar America❦ USA Piovene Guido L’Amérique cette inconnue

Chaumont glove-making heritage❦ Chaumont fabrique de gants

Maurice Chapelain’s Main courante with dedication❦ CHAPELAIN (Maurice) Main courante + dédicace

Fernanda de Castro’s 1928 Lisbon Garden❦ fernanda de castro JARDIN + dédicace

Rare antique books from Terdecq castles❦ Collection ô Sullivan de Terdecq Livres anciens provenant des Chateaux de Terdec

Quatorze rue des nobles 1948

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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