The History

 

A founder of Orfelin antiquarian bookstore, Predrag Milovanovic, in his store in Belgrade.

Predrag Milovanović, the founder of Scientific and Bibliophilic Antiquarian Bookstore – Orfelin

Sigedon Books & Antiques (Sigedon Ltd.) is an online antiquarian bookstore specializing in rare books, antique maps, vintage posters, and more.

The store is the proud successor of Naučni i bibliofilski antikvarijat – Orfelin [Scientific and Bibliophilic Antiquarian Book Store – Orfelin] founded in Belgrade in 1985. It was founded by the late Predrag Milovanović, a passionate book lover, interested in researching, acquiring, and preserving rare and valuable books. He regarded these literary treasures as not only integral to our national cultural history but also as a foundation of the broader cultural history of humanity and civilization as a whole.

The Orfelin Antiquariat

Orfelin held the distinction of being the first privately owned antique bookshop not only in Yugoslavia but across the entire Balkan peninsula. In 1990, Predrag married Vesna and the business description shifted from a sole trader’s passion to a family business.

Predrag Milovanovic and his wife Vesna, surrounded by the old books and maps in the antiquarian bookstore.

Predrag and Vesna Milovanović, a few days before the re-opening of the bookshop at the new location in Belgrade, Knez Mihajlova Street, 2008.

The store swiftly gained recognition among collectors as the largest and most well-stocked establishment in the Balkans. Remarkably, the store represented just a fraction of Predrag’s vast private library, which boasted an astounding collection of over 70,000 books. Initially, the store specialized in books hailing from the countries of the former Yugoslavia and the broader Balkan Peninsula. However, as time progressed, its offerings expanded to encompass valuable works in languages such as Latin, German, French, English, Russian, and more.

The extensive collection covers a wide range of diverse subjects, including history, science, medicine, art, art history, literary classics, poetry, religion, and much more. Since its inception, the store has served as a vibrant hub for events, hosting public speakers, welcoming illustrious guests, and even providing settings for movie shoots. Presently, the store has further expanded its offerings to include posters, historical photographs, ephemera, and other captivating collectibles. Additionally, customers can avail themselves of complimentary professional opinions and appraisals for books, manuscripts, and prints.

Today’s Vision – Sigedon Ltd

Predrag Milovanovic and his son in front of the"Orfelin" bookstore.

Predrag and Marko Milovanović during the Night of the Museums (Ноћ Музеја) event in Belgrade, Serbia, 2010.

Today, the store is proudly managed by Marko Milovanović, the son of Predrag and Vesna. Marko’s journey with the bookstore began in 2009 when he started working alongside his father. In 2011, he took charge of managing the store’s eBay presence. During this time, Marko pursued his studies in philosophy at Belgrade University while also immersing himself in the world of antique books under the guidance of one of the most knowledgeable men in the trade.

Vesna decided to step back from the business, and after Predrag’s passing in 2015, Marko temporarily withdrew as well. However, driven by a deep commitment to upholding the family legacy and providing a gathering place for collectors and history enthusiasts, Marko reopened the store in the summer of 2017.

Today, he leads the store with a clear vision for the future, ensuring that his father’s legacy lives on while simultaneously embracing new opportunities to serve the needs of the community of collectors and history enthusiasts.

 

Blog

Marko Milovanovic as a successor of his father's work. Today he runs the store under the new name: Sigedon Books & Antiques.

Marko Milovanović

In mid-2015, we launched our blog—a virtual gathering place for book lovers, history enthusiasts, and collectors. As an online antiquarian bookstore, we often find ourselves limited in space when it comes to showcasing the complete historical and cultural significance of each item in our collection. The blog serves as an avenue to bridge that gap, offering a platform where we can delve deeper into the rich and enlightening background of specific pieces.

We wholeheartedly believe in fostering meaningful discourse, and invite you to reach out to us with any questions you may have about our items or any related subjects. We encourage you to actively participate in the comment sections, sharing your thoughts, and feedback, and sparking engaging conversations. Your input and contributions are essential to creating a vibrant and interactive community centered around our shared passion for books, history, and collectibles.

Welcome to Sigedon Books and Antiques.