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

Vierzon forges

Africa Salt Kakamouèka Compagnie du Kouilou‑Niari❦ Afrique Sel kakamouèka compagnie du kouilou-Niari

Fetish of Bewitchment Série B Congo❦ Fétiche de l’envoutement Série B Congo

Dahomey Seller of Kandji and Ata, Water Carriers❦ Dahomey Vendeuse de Kandji et Ata, Porteuses d’eau

Congo Pahouin et Pahouine Yeuoi - Ogooué❦ Congo Pahouin et Pahouine Yeuoi – Ogooué

Tahiti market square in Papeete❦ Tahiti place du marché à papeete

AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE - Orchestre Indigène 1916❦ AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE – Orchestre Indigène 1916

Agen Canal on the Garonne Pont-Canal & Canal du Midi❦ agen canal sur la Garonne Pont-Canal & canal du Midi

agen boulevard Sylvain-Dumont

BRUNNOY 95 forêt de Sénart❦ BRUNOY 95 forêt de Sénart

LONGUEIL-ANNEL le port

DIEPPE l'avant port❦ DIEPPE l’avant port

Lille shop of the gold ingot❦ LILLE magasin du lingot d’or

Submarine LUTIN which has just been lost off Bizerte 1906 Regency of Tunis❦ Sous-marin LUTIN qui vient de se perdre à Bizerte 1906 Régence de Tunis

refuge CAUTERETS col de Vignemale

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