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

Asie hand-painted postcard❦ Asie carte postale peinte à la main

Spain 1910 couple ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH Madrid inscribed❦ Espagne 1910 couple PHOTOGRAPHIE ORIGINALE Madrid dédicacée

Fort Saint-Jean, Marseille❦ Marseille le fort Saint Jean

ROQUES Gers Grande Rue

Setúbal, Portugal❦ Setubal Portugal

Princess of Asturias Maria Christina❦ Princesa de Asturias Maria Cristina

Bonneuil Seine FERME GILLET

Le HAUCOURT arrêt de la rame

Marken Dutch

Gascogne Types Gascons 1916 Le Laboureur

breton paysan de Quéméneven, fontaine Ste marie de ménez-Ménez-Hom… 3 CPA❦ breton paysan de Quéméneven, fontaine Ste marie de ménez-Ménez-Hom…3 CPA

Maurice Bedel autograph manuscript letter❦ Maurice Bedel lettre autographe manuscrite

André Foulon de VAULX autograph letter, signed❦ André Foulon de VAULX lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Bourbonnais Fileuse au rouet

Normandy Brittany Jersey Island State Railway Travel 5 Postcards❦ Normandie Bretagne île Jersey chemin de fer de l’état voyages 5 CPA

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