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

Vendée State Railway Excursions in Vendée❦ VENDEE chemin de fer de l’état Excursions en Vendée

Wien Hof-Museum K & K 1907 gaufré/embossed❦ Wien Hof-Museum K & K 1907 gaufré/embossed

Ladignac main street 47❦ Ladignac rue principale 47

Bordeaux, Place de la Comédie, 1915❦ Bordeaux la place de la comédie 1915

Auch, place de la Mairie, 1908, Gers, 32❦ Auch place de la Mairie 1908 Gers 32

pelota basque PAYS BASQUE PELOTARIS❦ pelote basque PAYS BASQUE PELOTARIS

auch Rue de Lorraine, prise du pont de la Treille, 1908, Gers, 32❦ auch rue de Lorraine prise du pont de la Treille 1908 Gers 32

Beach Sea THEVENET 6 postcards❦ plage MER THEVENET 6 cartes postales

AUTOMOBILE photograph, 1903❦ AUTOMOBILE photo-carte 1903

Kiosque de la Musique, Montsouris, Paris, 1903❦ kiosque de la musique Montsouris PARIS 1903

Bourget-Aviation: Departure of the Plane from Paris-London❦ Bourget-aviation départ de l’avion de PARIS-LONDRES

Plaisance rue des Pyrénées Gers 32

Tergnier, Avenue de la Gare, Aisne❦ Tergnier l’avenue de la Gare AISNE

Helleu Portraits of Women 1903❦ Helleu portraits de femmes 1903

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

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