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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madagascar ?? to be identified Fine Photograph Postcard 1905❦ madagascar ?? à identifier Belle Photo-carte 1905

Sénégal lessive au bord du Sénégal 1903

Senegal Djogountouro village on the Senegal 1907❦ Sénégal djogountouro village sur le Sénégal 1907

SAGAIE indigenous of French Congo GUERRIERS❦ SAGAIE indigènes du Congo français GUERRIERS

Tchikoumbis at Loango - Congo Français❦ Tchikoumbis à Loango – Congo Français

Congo Français - BRAZZAVILLE Apprentices seamstresses with the sisters❦ Congo Français – BRAZZAVILLE Apprenties lingères chez les sœurs

mission of the P. P. of the Holy Spirit, Africa❦ mission des P. P. du Saint-Esprit attelage AFRIQUE

Dancers Kikouyous Mission of the P.P of the Holy Spirit 2 CPA❦ Danseurs Kikouyous Mission des P.P Du Saint Esprit 2 CPA

Foulah: Women and Girls of Guinea❦ Foulah AOF Guinée Fille & femme Foulah CPA

Congo postal card❦ Congo LIBREVILLE 3 CPA

Beautiful edition of a classic tale❦ Saint-Exupéry 1er JOUR LE PETIT PRINCE ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPERY 5 cartes

French Guinea: Griots' Dance❦ Guinée française danse de Griots

African West Coast Aborigines❦ Albinos Côte occidentale d’Afrique Baoulé

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