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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Senegal – A Market in the Cayor, Africa❦ SENEGAL – Un marche dans le cayor AFRIQUE

Tahiti Gauguin premier jour Tahiti 13 June 1965 2 cards❦ Tahiti Gauguin premier jour Tahiti 13 juin 1965 2 cartes

Africa wood ACAJOU, maison Sargos, equarissage..4 CPA❦ Afrique bois ACAJOU, maison Sargos, equarissage..4 CPA

Saint-Exupéry First Day The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 5 cards❦ Saint-Exupéry 1er JOUR LE PETIT PRINCE ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPERY 5 cartes

Dahomey: A Corner of the Corn-Milling Market, 1910❦ Dahomey un coin du marché pierres à écraser le maïs 1910

Africa Salt Kakamouèka Compagnie du Kouilou‑Niari❦ Afrique Sel kakamouèka compagnie du kouilou-Niari

Fetish of Bewitchment Série B Congo❦ Fétiche de l’envoutement Série B Congo

Dahomey Seller of Kandji and Ata, Water Carriers❦ Dahomey Vendeuse de Kandji et Ata, Porteuses d’eau

Congo Pahouin et Pahouine Yeuoi - Ogooué❦ Congo Pahouin et Pahouine Yeuoi – Ogooué

Dakar Hann Garden NATIONAL NAVAL SEA SERVICE Dupleix❦ Dakar jardin de Hann SERVICE A LA MER MARINE NATIONALE Dupleix

Guinea French Griot dance❦ Guinée française danse de Griots

SOUDAN, HABBES HABITANTS DES MONTAGNES DU MACINA 1907

Afrique occidentale type de diola

Conakry Boulbiné village and types of young girls 4 CPA❦ Conakry Boulbiné village et types de jeunes filles 4 CPA

Sénégal courses de Rufisque 1903

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