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

Ambassade des États-Unis 1959 Autograph letter❦ Ambassade des états-unis 1959 Lettre autographe

Casimir-Périer autograph letter signed❦ Casimir-Périer lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Galry I'm coming to help you, Emile...Normans❦ Galry J’viens pour t’aider, Emile…Normands

affiche torn FOLIES BERGÈRE 1902❦ affiche crevée FOLIES BERGERE 1902

affiche crevée LE PETIT PARISIEN

Gers MANCIET (Gers) : Rue des VIGNES

Gironde the little Gironde torn poster❦ Gironde la petit Gironde affiche crevée

electrician with that blasted contraption I'll never see the light of day in class!!❦ électricien avec ce sacré fourbi je n’ verrai jamais le jour de la classe !!

Bonaguil CHATEAU Lot & Garonne 17 antique maps❦ Bonaguil CHATEAU Lot & Garonne 17 cartes anciennes

Happy New Year, dear A. Noyer, 1919❦ Bonne année amour facteur A. Noyer 1919

MIRANDE 32 promenade des arceaux & arceaux de la place d'Astarac❦ MIRANDE 32 promenade des arceaux & arceaux de la place d’Astarac

MIRANDE 32 place d'Astarac 1912❦ MIRANDE 32 la place d’Astarac 1912

Basque: Scenes and Basque Types, Harnesses❦ BASQUE scènes et types basques attelages

condom avenue d'Agen 1903 Gers 32❦ condom avenue d’Agen 1903 Gers 32

Young Woman with Bouquet Belle Époque❦ Femme jeune au bouquet BELLE EPOQUE

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