Our Story is Rooted in Family Tradition…
Inspired by the love of doll collecting from her own mother, Diane Hoffman found her passion for dolls at a young age.
Forty-five years ago, Diane founded Turn of the Century Antiques on Antique Row in Denver, Colorado. During this time, she has acquired a vast knowledge of all aspects of the antique world, specializing in dolls and teddy bears. She has become one of the most respected authorities in the field of antique and collectible dolls. Our remarkable showcase store in the center of Denver’s Antique Row shopping district is only surpassed by her collection of satisfied customers. The shop’s current location has been in its current location for thirty-five years and remains family-owned and operated. It is the home office of the world-famous Virtual Doll Convention.
Rachel Hoffman and Diane Hoffman at home in Colorado, 1985
Rachel Hoffman and Diane Hoffman in Nashville, 2019
Diane Hoffman’s daughter Rachel Hoffman is now President of the company. She continues to carry on the family tradition of dolls with a team of dedicated staff.
She is also an accredited appraiser with the International Society of Appraisers.
Diane Hoffman’s Teddy Bear Collection Video filmed at the Doll Shop in our ‘Teddy Bear Den.”
Below are some recent YouTube videos from our doll shop workshop
28" Jumeau Bebe Triste, Emile Jumeau, circa 1880. Body marked Jumeau Medaille d'or Paris. This doll has applied ears. The body has been expertly refinished by Stanley, otherwise perfect!!! You have seen her in a lot of videos filmed at the VDC headquarters. Everything about this doll is over the top AMAZING!
This lovely French doll was just featured on our YouTube channel and she is so happy now at the shop. She is currently sitting in the chair by the window. She has made herself at home but wouldn’t be opposed to living with you, should you decide. We are naming her Isabelle. She is a size 10 Paris Bebe by Emile Jumeau. Interesting info from Theriault’s: Emile Jumeau, circa 1892, the model was presented by Jumeau after winning his lawsuit against Danel & Cie, and being awarded the right to use the tradename "Paris Bebe"; it is considered the precursor of Jumeau's 200 art character series.
Isabelle has no damage on her head, there are a couple of spots of the original paint from the artist that you can see on the nose bridge and under the chin. They are beauty marks and totally original. Marked on the head with “Paris-Bebe Tete Jumeau 10.” Her original body has been touched up in places but it retains its original markings including the Eiffel Tower stamp. She is costumed beautifully and has Jumeau shoes. This is a totally lovely antique doll, circa 1880s. This is a fabulous antique doll with a lovely and distinctive face.
In this free download, you can make a teacup to hold a little doll (hint, the baby featured in the teacup on the craft is available here!) or fill with Easter treats, or use in your spring display. The Easter Journal page and pillow box are made with antique and vintage graphics. We hope you enjoy this little treat. Easter is so many things - a day for hope, for new understandings, for wonder. We hope your Easter is all it's "cracked" up to be! Enjoy!
18" Kestner Kewpie Bisque Doll J.D.K. 12 with Antique Trunk and Wardrobe - trunk measures 20”x11”x10”
Who wouldn’t fall in love with this 18” Googlie with big brown eyes? This doll is a favorite in our shop. The body is NOT original, and there is a minor firing line on the bottom of the neck socket. Otherwise, this doll is an absolute treasure for any doll collector. You will delight in dressing this doll in his/her various outfits that have been carefully curated and put together by Linda in our doll shop. Such a treat!! She comes with an antique trunk, that has a paper-covered shelf with a lid to hold her many accessories. She comes with the following items:
Pink knitted skating outfit with hat and muff; blue and pink dresses; pink and white dress; red and white dress; turquoise and white spring dress and bonnet; blue and white check sundress with panties; red raincoat and hat with red and white stripe trim to include red rubber boots and umbrella; white smocked dress with blue smocking and collar with matching hat; bathrobe, washcloth, water bottle, pink knitted blanket, white crocheted with a pink trim sweater, cotton full slip; two pair of panties, two pair socks, white pair of shoes and gold ice skates!
13" Artist Volland Replica Raggedy Ann Completely Handmade by Alessandra Collar Lipman. Each sweet doll is uniquely handmade with vintage materials and comes signed and with a letter from the artist. The inspiration is from the earliest Volland dolls produced. See a live unboxing of the dolls, and hear the story from the artist in this video: https://youtu.be/tD8cERHeV48
13" Artist Volland Replica Raggedy Ann Completely Handmade by Alessandra Collar Lipman. Each sweet doll is uniquely handmade with vintage materials and comes signed and with a letter from the artist. The inspiration is from the earliest Volland dolls produced. See a live unboxing of the dolls, and hear the story from the artist in this video: https://youtu.be/tD8cERHeV48
12" Straw Stuffed Steiff Teddy Bear with Button in Ear - the squeaker no longer squeaks. A wonderful personality and lovely old Steiff bear.
Amazing Large Antique German Gottschalk Lithograph Dollhouse c.1890 - measures 23” wide, 26” tall, and 13” deep. Flex Pay options are available, email the shop to enquire.
Our favorite painting in the doll shop features a folk art portrait of a child with a doll, circa 1840, artist unknown. We had this stunning oil on canvas portrait made into 7” by 5” postcards with envelopes. Each order comes with a pack of 10 cards and envelopes. They are perfect for any type of occasion.
Every doll has a story.
One of the occurrences that we love the most is when a doll comes into our shop with a little tag or piece of paper with history. These downloadable tags can help you tell your doll’s story - even if that story starts right here with you! Once you check out, you will see a link that contains a download for these tags. Print on card stock, loop a string through and hang right on your doll. You can scale these up and down in your printer to make different sizes.
These were designed by the resident graphics artist for TOC - Diana Vining. Enjoy!
Download Disclaimer - To download, you will share your email and mail address for email and postcard marketing. We have an extremely secure server, and we never share information.