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

Versailles in the 1930s❦ Versailles 1930

Bernay historical monographs by Malbranche❦ Bernay notices sur Bernay 13 monographies

1860 China Expedition Report by RANDON & BLONDEL❦ Chine RANDON (Maréchal Cte) BLONDEL (Général) Relation de l’Expédition de Chine

German Political Customs in 1894❦ Les moeurs politique des allemands 1894

The Life of an Imperial Soldier❦ Napoléon MORVAN LE SOLDAT IMPERIAL- 1800-1814

Greek extracts with author’s dedication❦ Gail extraits de Lucien et de Xénophon 1786 + dédiace

Victorian Miniature Toast Book, 1853❦ Toasts & Sentiments 66 x 90 mm. MINI SOCIAL AND CONVIVIAL 1853

Paris canals in 1884: rare technical survey❦ Paris Canaux de Paris à la fin de 1884

Pilgrimage to Lourdes in old prints❦ Steenwoorde t chapelle de notre dame de Lourdes

Gift book for my daughter: amusing evenings of youth❦ ETRENNES A MA FILLE OU SOIREES AMUSANTES DE LA JEUNESSE 1816

French Songbook for Ladies 1813❦ Chansonnier français ou etrennes des dames 1813

Hunting Dogs Overview❦ chiens d’arrêt côté chasse

Royal wedding of Prince Henri de France, 1931❦ Comte de Paris Mariage de Son Altesse royale le prince Henri de France 1931

Early 20th-century hairdressing manual with electric dryers❦ Coiffure TOUT CE QUI CONCERNE LE COIFFEUR . Séchoirs électriques….

Alpine Journal of Dauphiné 1897❦ alpinisme DAUPHINE REVUE des ALPES DAUPHINOISES 1897

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