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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Postcards

Basque Artistry❦ BASQUE 5 cpa LE TANNEUR

Souvenir of the Wilbur Wright Aeroplane❦ Aéroplane Wilbur Wright Souvenir de PAU

Nimes Bullfight postcards, 1907-1918❦ Corrida NIMES 13 CPA 1907

Morocco Meknes: Singers, Ropers, Washhouse - 2nd Africa Battalion❦ Maroc Meknès chanteurs, cordiers, lavoir 2ème BATAILLON D’AFRIQUE

New Year's greeting cards with painted motifs❦ Bonne année meilleurs Voeux 2 cartes translucides motifs peints

April 1st Vintage Embossed Card❦ 1 er avril petite carte gaufrée 66 x 120 mm.

Venice: San Geremia and Canal Regio❦ Venezia san Geremia e canal Regio

Enchantresses of Parisian Nights❦ femmes les enjôleuses paris la nuit SAGER

Blériot aircraft and Channel crossing❦ Blériot nos aéroplanes Blériot traversant la Manche

Airship over Garches with Mont-Valérien Fort❦ dirigeable Garches panorama au loin le fort du Mont-Valérien

Solesmes Station❦ Solesmes la gare

Folding Chapel Pop-Up Postcard❦ chapelle dépliante Carte postale à système POP UP 73 x 108 mm.,

Fashion: Latest Trends❦ MODE la dernière mode SAGER

Ottoman Street Life: Bear Trainer, Constantinople Greeting❦ TURQUIE – Montreur d’ours Salut de Constantinople

Colonial Exposition silhouette by Singlo, Marseille 1922❦ silhouette découpée par Singlo exposition coloniale 1922 Marseille

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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