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

Basque Region Postcards❦ Basque Bonnefoy

1911 Esperanto Congress in Antwerp❦ Antverpeno 1911 esperantista Kongreso

Hand-embroidered flowers 1918❦ Bonne Fête fleurs brodées à la main 1918

Hand-embroidered 1918 floral greeting card❦ Bonne Fête fleurs brodées à la main

Floral Postcard from 1907❦ Souhaits sincères CARTE-POSTALE

Lace ribbon hat❦ Sainte Catherine 1944 vieille bique CHAPEAU

Memorable keepsakes from the Belle Époque❦ amitié souvenir BELLE EPOQUE bords ouvragés

Charming Belle Époque Greetings❦ Je porte bonheur BELLE EPOQUE bords ouvragés

Charming greetings of the Belle Époque❦ heureuse année BELLE EPOQUE bords festonnés

Artistic floral arrangement from Belle Époque❦ Souhaits sincères composition florale et végétal BELLE EPOQUE 1907

Happy New Year greetings card❦ Heureuse Fête composition végétale & pensées

Hand-embroidered floral greetings❦ Bonne année

Floral Composition from the Belle Époque❦ Souhaits sincères

Hand-Embroidered Flower Celebrations❦ Bonne année corbeille de fleurs

Embossed Belle Époque greeting card with handmade flowers❦ Belle époque carte gaufrée Bonne fête, dépliante 90 x 135 mm.

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