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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Fantaisie

SEM Colette Willy tournée Ch. Baret

Mucha JOB cigarette paper calendar 1897❦ mucha papier à cigarette JOB mucha calendrier 1897

SEM collection des cent Comte de Pardailhan

Gabard VIEUX GARÇON X 10 CPA complete series❦ Gabard VIEUX GARCON X 10 CPA série complète

Hémard Hémard what the hell are you doing there, you with your mask... 1940❦ Hémard hémard c’que vous fichez donc, vous là, avec votr’masque.. 1940

affiche torn FOLIES BERGÈRE 1902❦ affiche crevée FOLIES BERGERE 1902

Permit to pedestrianise – it’s enough to drive one mad❦ permis de piétonner – c’est à devenir fou

Mexique: Currency and National Flag Embossed/Raised❦ Mexique monnaie et pavillon national Gaufré/ relief

Nérac 2 gascous à Nérac 1906

affiche crevée LA LIBRE PAROLE 1902

Vélo: Journal des Sports, torn poster, Oran, 1903❦ vélo journal des sports affiche crevée ORAN 1903

Chine monnaie and national flag Embossed❦ Chine monnaie et pavillon national Gaufré

Carte postale in painted wood, 1908❦ Carte postale en bois peint 1908

chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans 9 CPA

Carte postale in wood 1905❦ Carte postale en bois 1905

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