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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Airship Flight Over Paris 1909❦ dirigeable promenade en dirigeable au dessus de Paris 1909

Euville Quarries, Meuse - Fèvre & Cie Operations❦ carrières d’Euville Meuse exploitation Fèvre & Cie

A glimpse of Bayonne in 1907❦ Bayonne rue du pont-neuf 1907

Commerce in Isle-Adam, 1916❦ Isle-Adam grande rue 1916 COMMERCE

Historical overview of Baziège❦ Baziège grande-rue Haute-Garonne

April 1st Vintage Embossed Card❦ 1 er avril petite carte gaufrée 66 x 120 mm.

Venice: San Geremia and Canal Regio❦ Venezia san Geremia e canal Regio

Farman's First Airplane Flight 1908❦ Farman premier voyage en aéroplane 1908 REIMS-Chalons

Bordeaux Quay during the 1908 Exposition❦ Bordeaux quai pendant l’exposition 1908

Fast-paced Adventures❦ 150 à l’heure SAGER

New Clothing for Flood Time❦ MODE nouvelle tenue pour temps d’inondation SAGER

Commerce on Saint-Pol street❦ Saint-Pol rue d’Hesdin commerce

Bedouin Dancers - Tunis Market Scene 1912❦ SOUK EL ARBA A TUNIS 1912 HOTEL DU COMMERCE

Illustrated work on women's fashion❦ femmes en culotte illustré par Mouton

Aubusson Tapestries & Carpets from Hamot Manufacture❦ tapis et tapisseries Hamot manufacture d’Aubusson atelier de peinture

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