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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Vintage pull-out scenic card, 80 x 120 mm❦ Belle époque carte à système 80 x 120 mm.

Le Havre bourgeoisie beach August 1907 stereoscopic card set❦ LE HAVRE bourgeoisie plage du HAVRE Aout 1907 carte stéréo x 8

Gérardmer 1988: Schlucht Pass Railway Views❦ Gérardmer 88 le col de la Schlucht

Belvallette’s Russian Exhibition at Imperial Studs❦ russie Belvallette exposition russe HARAS IMPERIAUX caroussel 31 x 23 cm

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

Vimy Ridge - Canadian Trench Frontline Views❦ VIMY RIDGE – Tranchée canadienne 1ère ligne 12 vues

Cardboard creation for tobacco shop❦ Azy Cher le bureau de tabac

Casablanca 1910/1911: Three Stereoscopic Views of Women's Charm❦ femme Charme féminin CASABLANCA 1910/1911 3 stéréo

Nantes and its transporter bridge❦ Nantes la nacelle du pont transbordeur

Basque pelota players in action❦ Basque TARDETS Huit joueurs de pelote au but long – Pelote Basque

Saint-Sulpice-laurière station and depot in 1910❦ Saint-Sulpice-laurière la gare- le dépot 1910

Stereo postcards of Ain Mazi beach, 1911❦ Casablanca jolies baigneuses plage de l’ ANKE, Aïn-Mazi 1911 carte stéréo x 10

Postcard: Hunting relay at Pont de l'Arche❦ Pont de l’Arche chasse à courre 2 CPA relai départ

French postcard of La Teste-de-Buch❦ LA TRESNE 33 GIRONDE – LA POSTE

Pompon lucky charm card❦ Pompon PORTE-BONHEUR bachot carte festonnée

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