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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Elegant design from the Belle Époque❦ Douky élégante belle époque

Postcard with a love note from 1866❦ carte-postale contenant un petit mot d’amour daté du 1e janvier 1866

Old maps of Bonaguil Castle❦ Bonaguil CHATEAU Lot & Garonne 17 cartes anciennes

Mount Fuji - Hokusai's Iconic Woodblock Series❦ Mt Fuji Hokusaï

Cultural aspects of Algeria❦ Algérie GOURAYA 7 CPA

Bears of the Pyrenees❦ Ours les ours du pays Pyrénées 1914

32 types of Gascon eggs and Franco-Russian merchant❦ Auch 32 types gascons le marchand d’oeufs Franco-Russo…

Gascon greengrocers' types in 32 lithographs❦ Auch 32 types Gascons marchande de quatre-saisons

Mirande's 1910 Parisian Street Guide❦ MIRANDE 32 Rue d’Auch 1910

Victor Hugo Street, postcard with corner damage❦ MIRANDE 32 la rue victor Hugo 3 CPA

Geographical location in Gers region❦ Vic-Fezensac Eauze rue de la promenade 32 GERS

A lesson in catechism❦ Lalanne une leçon de catéchisme.. 32 GERS

Saramon, Avenue de Lombez 32, Gers❦ Saramon avenue de lombez 32 GERS

Saramon: Panoramic View from Town Heights❦ Saramon panorama du haut de la ville 32 GERS

Saint-Clar 1903, Alsace-Lorraine Court, Gers❦ Saint-clar 1903 cour Alsace-lorraine 32 GERS

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