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

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

Art Nouveau illustrations by KOSA❦ Art nouveau KOSA illustrateur

Art Nouveau by illustrator KOSA❦ Art nouveau KOSA illustrateur

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

Old Marseille: 13 Rue de la Rose, 1903❦ VIEUX MARSEILLE 13 rue de la rose 1903

Industrial prints of French foundries and aerostation❦ Fonderie usine du pied-selle fonderie ISSOUDUN Indre

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

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

Art Nouveau gilded map signed H L❦ Belle époque belle carte dorée & signée H L

1918 Battle of Grivesnes: Postcard Series❦ Grivesnes Mondidier Méry La bataille 19 cartes postales GUERRE 1918

Nancy airship over the city, 1909❦ dirigeable ville de Nancy évoluant au-dessus de la ville 1909

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