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

History of popular imagery and playing cards❦ carte Histoire de l’imagerie populaire et des cartes à jouer 1869

Illuminated Manuscript Page❦ Enluminure 140 x 145 mm.

Russians and Slavs: Political and Literary Studies❦ Russes et slaves : études politiques et littéraires 1890

Practical Instructions on Indulgences❦ Instructions pratiques sur les indulgences et les confréries, accompagnées..1832

Journal for Mothers and Children❦ journal des mères et des enfants

Illustrated journal from 1891❦ Le Figaro illustré 1891

Regeneration of Plant Life: Research Methods❦ RAUCH Régénération de la nature végétale, ou Recherches sur les moyens..1818

Remote Sensing & Photogrammetry Terminology Dictionary❦ Terminologie de Télédetection et Photogrammétrie, Francais-Anglais

Figaro's 1875 Annual: Illustrated Chronicle❦ FIGARO L’ALBUM DU FIGARO 1875

The Austerlitz Centenary Celebration❦ Napoléon AUSTERLITZ LE CENTENAIRE D’AUSTERLITZ

A Spiritual Journey of Conversion and Faith❦ HUYSMANS J.K. EN ROUTE 1915

Perfume Bottle Collection Directory and Reference❦ parfum flacons de parfums de collection répertoires

Golden Book of the 1889 Paris Exposition❦ exposition 1889 EIFFEL Livre d’Or de l’Exposition

The Burning Flame: Normandie-Niemen Aviation❦ aviation Normandie-Niemen. ardente flamme

French Military Uniforms Panorama❦ uniforme Detaille Le Panorama Uniformes de l’Armée Française

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