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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Collections|Postcards|Other

Templar Houses of Douai❦ DOUAI maisons des templiers

Le Mans: Historic Hemp Mill and Barrage d'Enfer❦ LE MANS vieux moulin à chanvre et le barrage d’Enfer

Cambrai Street Cantimpré❦ Cambrai rue cantimpré

Saint-Pierre LES ELBEUF

A historical account of Bruay mine❦ BRUAY fosse n°4

Photographic card of an automobile❦ AUTOMOBILE carte-photo

Lightly worn silhouette design❦ Silhouette

Dieppe harbor overview❦ DIEPPE l’avant port

Algerian Army in 1908❦ Alger armée 1908 CARTE-PHOTO

Mountain Artillery Overview❦ Artillerie de montagne GEBIRGSARTILLERIE Zurich 1910

Exploration of Ustaritz's village center❦ Ustaritz Quartier du bourg

FLEURANCE Market Overview❦ Marché FLEURANCE

Dunkirk harbor entrance at high tide❦ Dunkerque l’entrée du port au moment de la marée

Princess of Asturias Maria Cristina❦ Princesa de Asturias Maria Cristina

Shrimp Fisher at La Panne❦ pêcheur de crevettes LA PANNE

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