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

Fleurance 32 Martial-Cazes 1915

Vallon-en-Sully: the Grande Rue and the Place❦ Vallon en Sully la grande rue et la place

Dahomey Porto-Novo on the market 1913❦ Dahomey porto-novo sur le marché 1913

Sénégal Dakar femme lahobé 1918

Provence 3 postcards 1902-1905 in Provençal RETOUR DEI VENDUMI❦ Provence 3 cartes postales 1902-1905 EN PROVENCO RETOUR DEI VENDUMI

Métier illustrated by Muller, seller of mistletoe, chestnuts, cab horse❦ métier illustré par Muller , marchand de gui, de marrons, cochet de fiacre 3 CPA

Helleu Portraits of Women 1903❦ Helleu portraits de femmes 1903

I seek first to build a dowry with old husbands.❦ dot GRIFF Plages Je cherche d’abord à me faire une dote avec de vieux maris..

Mountain artillery GEBIRGSARTILLERIE Zurich 1910❦ Artillerie de montagne GEBIRGSARTILLERIE Zurich 1910

TREBEURDEN plage de Trozoul & l'hotel Martrai❦ TREBEURDEN plage de Trozoul & l’hotel Martrai

Orthez The Old Bridge❦ Orthez Le vieux pont

Garros, the winner of the Grand Prix de l'Aéro-Club de France❦ Garros le vainqueur du grand prix de l’aéro-club de France

humour JEAN DE FREISSAC 6 cpa

Sale sectionHow to fold a tie: theory of history 3 CPA❦ sale section, comment on plie une cravate, théorie d’histoire 3 CPA

Émile Ullmann ARCHITECT signed autograph manuscript letter❦ Émile Ullmann ARCHITECTE belle lettre manuscrite autographe & signée

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