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

Helleu Portraits of Women 1903❦ Helleu portraits de femmes 1903

Orthez The Old Bridge❦ Orthez Le vieux pont

Sarah Bernhardt SIP 72nd series❦ Sarah Bernhardt SIP 72 ème série

Tergnier, Avenue de la Gare, Aisne❦ Tergnier l’avenue de la Gare AISNE

Vic-Fezensac: Entrance to the Town, Town Hall Tower, Market Square (3 views)❦ Vic Fezansac entrée de la ville et clocher place de mairie place du commerce x3

Dieppe – Fishermen’s Dwellings in the Cliffs❦ Dieppe – Habitations de Pêcheurs dans le Falaises

BATEAUX CROISING OF A DREDGE❦ BATEAUX CROISANT D UNE DRAGUE

Saint Mariens Saint Izan La Grand' Rue 33❦ SAINT MARIENS SAINT IZAN la Grand’ Rue 33

Miribel-les-échelles papeterie du Guiers

Lyon AVION pont du palais de justice

Enfantina Poupée

PHILIPPEVILLE x 5 CPA

Henri Farman AVIATOR❦ Henri Farman AVIATEUR

Fécamp shipbuilding yards❦ Fécamp chantiers de constructions

Mauritius 2 postcards 1918 Île Maurice❦ Mauritius 2 cartes postales 1918 Île Maurice

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