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

Saviem 1972 Diesel Technical Review❦ saviem revue technique automobile 1972

Early 20th-century café-restaurant menu❦ MARTIGNAS PAR MERIGNAC RESTAURANT ET CAFE BEAUBOIS 1907

History of Saint-Amable Abbey in Riom❦ Abbaye de Saint-Amable de Riom

Proumeyssac Chasm near Bugue, 1912❦ gouffre de Proumeyssac près de Bugue (24) 1912

Stereoscopic views of Casablanca’s Jewish quarter, 1911❦ juifs CASABLANCA 1911 cartes stéréo x 13

PTT Ministry of PTT Telegraph 1930❦ PTT ministère des PTT télégraphiez 1930

Floral postcard with handwritten wishes, Belle Époque❦ Billet doux composition floral dépliante 85 x 50 mm. A vous ma pensée

Art Nouveau Greeting Card❦ art nouveau jeune femme carte gaufrée et dorée

Venice through Jules Gourdault’s etchings❦ Venise Jules GOURDAULT A TRAVERS VENISE 13 eaux-fortes 1883

Exploration of Love and Desire❦ Lucile et la volupté 1958

History of Charles V, Vol. 1 (1843)❦ espagne Histoire de Charles-Quint 1843

Roman Missal with Sunday Offices, 1889❦ MISSEL ROMAIN CONTENANT LES OFFICES DE TOUS LES DIMANCHES 1889

1857 illustrated literary journal❦ omnibus journal littéraire illustré 1857

Art Nouveau Young Woman 1904❦ art nouveau jeune femme 1904

Art Nouveau Young Woman 1904❦ art nouveau jeune femme 1904

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