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

Wolfgang Paalen Exhibition with Breton Preface❦ PAALEN Wolfgang. Exposition Wolfgang Paalen. Préface d’André Breton 1938

Parisian Address: A Historical Document❦ Monein Rue Florence 64

Elegant 1918 edition illustrated by TERZI❦ élégante 1918 illustré par TERZI

Autographed Letter from Porto-Riche❦ Porto Riche lettre autographe

Art Nouveau lithographic poster by Carson❦ Carson Genève Atar lith. ART NOUVEAU

French Communists during the Phoney War❦ communistes français pendant la drôle de guerre

Soldier's Ink Drawing, Trench Art, May 1916❦ CAGNAT Dessin à l’encre Poilu 18 mai 1916 art dans les tranchées LES CAGNATS

Women's Spring Silhouette❦ femmes Silhouette printanière SAGER

La Fontaine Fables - Lemaistre 1864❦ La Fontaine Lemaistre, Félix Fables de La Fontaine 1864

Rochefort Floating Basin Engineering Plans 1895❦ ROCHEFORT bassin à flot de Rochefort 1895

Forest Queen with Illustrations❦ THEURIET Reine des bois. Illustré par H. Laurent-Desrousseaux 1890

Administrative and Commercial Directory❦ Gers Annuaire administratif, statistique, historique et commercial du départemen

Illustrated children's nonsense tale❦ Et patati et patata illustré par Clérice & Jonchère

Prelates and Academician - Silver Print❦ Prélats et académicien 17,5 x 23,5 cm. argentique

Victor Jacquemont's Indian Journey & Family Letters 1833❦ Inde Correspondance de Victor Jacquemont avec sa famille voyage 1833

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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