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

Beautiful Models - Art Nouveau Postcards❦ jolies modèles 2 cartes postales ART NOUVEAU

Grasse 1913 harvest photo-postcard❦ Grasse 1913 photo-carte récolte

Gilded Art Nouveau binding with embossing❦ Belle époque ART NOUVEAU dorée et gaufrée

Dragonfly Bicycle near Auch, Gers❦ vélo libellule LAVACANT près d’Auch 32 Photo-carte

Hand-colored religious greeting cards, 1896-1918❦ canivet rehaussé en couleur à la main 70 x 110 mm.

Bakery in Gravelines, Rue de Dunkerque Entrance❦ Boulangerie Gravelines entrée de la rue de Dunkerque

Airship Views over Paris and Nancy, 1909❦ Avenue de l’Alma et place de l’Alma passage du dirigeable de guerre république

Saint-Jean-de-Luz beach panoramic view (1901)❦ Saint-Jean de Luz vue générale de la plage (carte nuage) 1901

Art Nouveau golden and embossed binding❦ Belle époque ART NOUVEAU dorée et gaufrée

Mafia Patriarch Balsamo Giuseppe Battista❦ Balsamo Giuseppe Battista MAIN NOIRE mafia PARRAIN

Art Nouveau embossed Jugendstil bookplate❦ Jungenstil ART NOUVEAU gaufré BRW 415

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

Dancer at the Moulin Rouge in grand écart❦ DANSEUSE au moulin rouge grand écart SAGER

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

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