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 from Blida Chiffa❦ BLIDA Chiffa

Lost Submarine in Bizerte❦ Sous-marin LUTIN qui vient de se perdre à Bizerte 1906 Régence de Tunis

Algiers: Port, Admiralty, Consular Palace❦ ALGER port, amirauté, palais consulaire…

Japan Woman circa 1907❦ Japon femme vers 1907

Japanese map from around 1913❦ Japon Carte japonaise vers 1913

Scenic views of Mont-Blanc region❦ CHAMONIX mer de glace Mont-Blanc Montanvert…

Military Aviation Museum Highlights❦ Musée de l’armée avion Guynemer Independace DAY Rouget de l’Isle…13 CPA

Henri Farman Pioneer Aviator❦ Henri Farman AVIATEUR

Belfort's Lion - Folding Window❦ BELFORT LE LION dépliant

Station Master's Adventures❦ Voyageur et chef de Gare

Morlaix Delicacies - Grand Rue❦ Salaisons MORLAIX la grande Rue

Garros wins the Aéro-Club de France Grand Prize❦ Garros le vainqueur du grand prix de l’aéro-club de France

Farman Biplane piloted by Paillard❦ Biplan Henri Farman piloté par Paillard

Ocean liner themed collection❦ Paquebot PARIS

Postcards from Hotel Lalloz❦ ballon d’Alsace Hotel Lalloz

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