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

Lost Submarine in Bizerte❦ Sous-marin LUTIN qui vient de se perdre à Bizerte 1906 Régence de Tunis

Algiers: Port, Admiralty, Consular Palace❦ ALGER port, amirauté, palais consulaire…

Dunkirk harbor entrance at high tide❦ Dunkerque l’entrée du port au moment de la marée

Princess of Asturias Maria Cristina❦ Princesa de Asturias Maria Cristina

Shrimp Fisher at La Panne❦ pêcheur de crevettes LA PANNE

Gotthard Railway: The Great Work at Göschenen❦ GOTTHARDBAHN der Grosse bei Goeschenen

Japan Woman circa 1907❦ Japon femme vers 1907

Meisingenbahn Reichenbach Route❦ MEISINGEN reichenbachbhan & Strasse

Japanese map from around 1913❦ Japon Carte japonaise vers 1913

Street view of Thoune❦ Thoune rue Thun Hauptstrasse

Cultural insights into Batsimisaraka women❦ Madagascar Tannanarive femme Batsimisaraka

Scenic views of Mont-Blanc region❦ CHAMONIX mer de glace Mont-Blanc Montanvert…

Toulouse: An Exhibition Overview❦ Toulouse Village noir 1908 exposition

Blessing of Our Lady of Pau❦ Bénédiction Notre-Dame de PAU

Symbolist and Nabi Art Movement❦ Symbolistes et nabis Maurice Denis et son temps Le Prieuré Musée départemental

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