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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Our Antiquarian Books Catalog

Colonial Exhibition African Village❦ Exposition coloniale village africain, Groupe d’ensemble

Charming views of Tonneins❦ Tonneins, Place du Chateau et rue Gambetta

Sénégalese village exhibition overview❦ Exposition Porte Maillot, Village Sénégalais, L’école

Letters with a Light Touch❦ Curiosa VOLTAIRE Epitres badines

Exploration of Congo Français❦ Tchikoumbis à Loango – Congo Français

A Novel Set in a French Hotel and Café❦ Audun le roman hotel et café français

Dakar: A National Marine Service Garden❦ Dakar jardin de Hann SERVICE A LA MER MARINE NATIONALE Dupleix

Studies on Fine Arts❦ GUIZOT M. Etudes sur les beaux-arts en général 1872

Fetish of Enchantment in Congo❦ Fétiche de l’envoutement Série B Congo

Dahomey Market Scene 1910❦ Dahomey un coin du marché pierres à écraser le maïs 1910

The Senegalese Tirailleur's Sergeant❦ LOANGO – L’adjudant des Tirailleurs Sénégalais et ses hommes

French Congo - Apprentice Laundresses Training❦ Congo Français – BRAZZAVILLE Apprenties lingères chez les sœurs

Senegal Dakar Woman lahobé❦ Sénégal Dakar femme lahobé 1918

African Trading Company: Kouilou-Niari Operations❦ Afrique Sel kakamouèka compagnie du kouilou-Niari

Kikuyu Dancers - Holy Ghost Mission❦ Danseurs Kikouyous Mission des P.P Du Saint Esprit 2 CPA

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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