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

Colonial Exposition silhouette by Singlo, Marseille 1922❦ silhouette découpée par Singlo exposition coloniale 1922 Marseille

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

Bedouin Dancers & Bedouins - 2 Postcards Tunis❦ danseuse bédouine & bédouines 2 CPA Tunis

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

Margaux - Railway Station Square with Dog Cart❦ MARGAUX – Place de la gare Voiture à chien

Blériot Monoplane Aviation Pioneer 1910❦ Blériot monoplan Blériot de Jane Herveu 1910

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

Toulouse Theater of Novelties❦ Toulouse théâtre des nouveautés 31

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

Three vintage ostrich feather postcards 1907❦ plume ferme d’autruches 3 cartes-postales 1907

1917 Paris Gare de l'Est military railway poster❦ Paris gare de l’est autobus 1917 poilu Dtion des chemins de fer aux armées

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

Parisian Skies: Art and Joy from Montmartre❦ PARIS Heaven Art and Fun Le Ciel Paris-Montmartre

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