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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Bonaguil CHATEAU Lot & Garonne 17 antique maps❦ Bonaguil CHATEAU Lot & Garonne 17 cartes anciennes

Blériot 1909 on his monoplane❦ Blériot 1909 sur son monoplan

Rococo 4 cards Meissner & Buch illustrated - grandes dames❦ Rococo 4 cartes Meissner & Buch illust- grandes dames

pêcheur de crevettes LA PANNE

Dunkerque: the entrance to the port at the time of the tide❦ Dunkerque l’entrée du port au moment de la marée

humour souvenir de Barbazan

Garain route de sabres LANDES

Thonon-les-Bains, banks under Thonon❦ Thonon Les Bains rives sous Thonon

Aires sur la Lys PONT DU RIVAGE

Helleu reading scene 1903❦ Helleu scène de lecture 1903

Hand-painted mill❦ Moulin peint à la main

bar, tavern, café DEVANTURE❦ bar, estaminet, café DEVANTURE

hand-coloured postcard with original illustration and personalised collage by an amateur artist❦ carte-postale illustré dessin et d’un collage personnalisé d’une artiste-amateur

Épernay, Place Auban-Moët + riddling❦ Épernay, Place Auban-Moet + remuage

Fleurance 32 Martial-Cazes 1915

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