Adopt an object to honor a birthday or anniversary, or to remember a loved one.

The turn-of-the-nineteenth century was known as the First Empire in France, the Regency in Great Britain, and the Federal Period in the United States. In each country, hair was styled close to the head, and small, decorative headwear was popular: embroidered net caps for home, and shallow brimmed bonnets for outdoors. This elegant creation was labeled a “cornette” in fashion plates; its wavy, starched lace edging encircled the wearer’s face and buttoned under her chin.

Seven composite photos of helmet-clad dirt-bike riders popping wheelies and competing over mountainous terrain energize this man’s shirt. The dynamic pattern creates bursts of orange and brown—the era’s popular color palette—on the easy-care polyester knit that did not wrinkle, no matter the fast-paced action.

The hand-netted silk and linen lace of this bag may have contributed to its survival over 220 years: it was too delicate to use. The polychrome flowers and vines that outline and fill the central panels are resplendent with carnations, daisies, rose buds, and bluebells—all symbolic of marriage. A tiny yellow bird even sits atop the branches joined by a pink and gold “Lover’s Knot,” while the carefully stitched initials cite their intended owner now lost to time.

The over-scaled orchid that tops this day hat is a technical masterpiece; each colored piece of wool felt is handstitched to its neighbor, and then stretched or goffered (a texturing technique employing a hot iron) to create the undulating petals and leaves. Little is known about the talented maker—Stuart Kent Harper—who opened a boutique in New York City in 1937 and worked through the 1940s.

These evening slippers with pink leather-covered Louis heels were probably custom-made to match a gown of the same peachy-pink and teal-green silk brocade. Ruffles of cream lace trimmed with coordinating miniature bows encircled the wearer’s feet and would have been glimpsed during a waltz or polka.