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.

An empty cart

An empty cart

Enter your keyword

Our Antiquarian Books Catalog

Billiards: Knowledge and Technique❦ Billard Hoppe Le billard Connaissance et technique

Bonneuil-sur-Seine, Gillet Farm❦ Bonneuil seine FERME GILLET

Maubourguet Town Hall❦ MAUBOURGUET hotel de ville

Garros wins the Aéro-Club de France Grand Prize❦ Garros le vainqueur du grand prix de l’aéro-club de France

Two Sisters: Virtuous Daughters and Devoted Mother❦ Langlois Les deux soeurs, ou les bonnes filles et la bonne mère

Agen Republic Boulevard❦ Agen boulevard de LA REPUBLIQUE

Young Connoisseur's Portfolio of Nature, History and Art❦ portefeuille du jeune amateur de la nature, de l’histoire et de l’art

Farman Biplane piloted by Paillard❦ Biplan Henri Farman piloté par Paillard

Aviator DIDIER on Henri Farman biplane❦ Aviateur DIDIER sur biplan Henri Farman

Saint Ghislain street and church❦ Saint Ghislain rue d’Ath. et l’église

Seaside view of Boulogne-sur-Mer❦ Boulogne-sur-Mer Quai Gambetta

Aniche: Municipal Street Overview❦ ANICHE rue de la mairie

Ocean liner themed collection❦ Paquebot PARIS

Postcards from Hotel Lalloz❦ ballon d’Alsace Hotel Lalloz

Exploring milling techniques and social symbolism❦ Moulin Le Moulin et le Meunier

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us