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

Pierre Gaxotte autograph manuscript letter, signed❦ Pierre Gaxotte lettre manuscrite autographe & signée

Hanotaux handwritten autograph letter❦ Hanotaux lettre autographe manuscrite

Mexique: Currency and National Flag Embossed/Raised❦ Mexique monnaie et pavillon national Gaufré/ relief

Nérac 2 gascous à Nérac 1906

affiche crevée LA LIBRE PAROLE 1902

affiche crevée L'Aurore 1902❦ affiche crevée l’Aurore 1902

Landes resin collectors chatting❦ Landes résinières faisant la causette

Journal LE JOURNAL 1902, affiche torn❦ Journal LE JOURNAL 1902 affiche crevée

Vélo: Journal des Sports, torn poster, Oran, 1903❦ vélo journal des sports affiche crevée ORAN 1903

Condom 32 Gers, Entrance to the Theatre & Scene from the New Theatre 1907❦ CONDOM 32 GERS entrée du théâtre & scène du nouveau théâtre 1907

Theatre poster torn❦ Théâtre affiche crevée

Chine monnaie and national flag Embossed❦ Chine monnaie et pavillon national Gaufré

humour souvenir de Barbazan

MIRANDE 32 Auch Street❦ MIRANDE 32 rue d’Auch

humour IF I HAD BEEN YOUNG I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEDUCE A WOMAN 1904❦ humour SI J’AVAIS ETE JEUNE J’AURAIS AIME ENLEVER UNE FEMME 1904

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us