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

Convict Escort from Ship to Fortress on Île de Ré❦ BAGNE Ile de Ré St MARTIN, Escorte de Forçats Du Bateau à La Citadelle

Floral postcard with handwritten wishes, Belle Époque❦ Billet doux composition floral dépliante 85 x 50 mm. A vous ma pensée

English Airplane Transport in Wartime❦ GUERRE transport d’un aéroplane anglais

Vintage Photo-Card Collection❦ Auto PHOTO-CARTE

New Year Greetings Collection❦ Nouvel an MES MEILLEURS VOEUX ed. K.F.

Vintage Pressing Techniques❦ vendanges le pressurage VIN

Barbézieux: Hôtel de la Boule d'Or & du Commerce❦ Barbézieux hôtel de la boule d’or & du commerce

Cardboard creation for tobacco shop❦ Azy Cher le bureau de tabac

Art Nouveau floral model study❦ modèle aux fleurs blanches ART NOUVEAU

Military chaplains in Fez, Morocco❦ aumoniers militaires à Fez MAROC

Vaux-Meuse Church Carriage 1908❦ Vaux Meuse l’église ROULOTTE 1908

1914 Truffle-hunting group in Périgord❦ Truffe Périgord groupe sympatique cherchant la truffe 1914

WW1 Loire Bridge Construction by 6th Engineering Regiment❦ Angers LOIRE Travaux de Pontages sur la Maine par le 6e Génie 12 CPA 1915/1916

ARTHUR BUTCHER: Cellist❦ violoncelliste ARTHUR BUTCHER

French postcard of La Teste-de-Buch❦ LA TRESNE 33 GIRONDE – LA POSTE

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