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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Helleu Portraits of Women 1903❦ Helleu portraits de femmes 1903

GABARE CHARGEE DE SEL DANS LES MARAIS DES SABLES D'OLONNE (LA DOUANE À BORD)❦ GABARE CHARGEE DE SEL DANS LES MARAIS DES SABLES D’OLONNE ( LA DOUANE A BORD)

Dauphiné 38 Route de la Grande Chartreuse - Col de Porte❦ DAUPHINE 38 Route de la Grande Chartreuse – Col de Porte

BIARRITZ: The King of Spain and Princess Ena of Battenberg on a walk❦ BIARRITZ le roi d’Espagne et la princesse Ena de Battenberg en promenade

CONDOM 32 GERS condom quartier Bouquerie

Happy New Year (ink painting)❦ Bonne Année (peinture à l’encre)

MIRANDE 32 Rue de Rohan 1910

Saint-Dizier, the fortified port❦ Saint-Dizier le port du fort carré

Lectoure promenade des marronniers 1912 Gers 32❦ Lectoure promenade des maronniers 1912 Gers 32

GAP square de la place St Arnoux written in 1940❦ GAP square de la place St Arnoux écrit en 1940

Stencil or Watercolour Map❦ Carte au Pochoir ou à l’aquarelle

Saint-Pierre LES ELBEUF

GOTTHARD RAILWAY the Great near Goeschenen❦ GOTTHARDBAHN der Grosse bei Goeschenen

Alsatian 1906❦ Alsacienne 1906

Bresse bressan bressanne going to market❦ Bresse bressan bressanne allant au marché

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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