Wow, I've only once seen this style, and it came and went on Ebay in about a nanosecond with one fuzzy picture... congrats on getting your hands on something so unique!!
OMG That's amazing!!! I wish my mom had stuff like that!!!
It is very nice - what a great find! It reminds me of the purse style; could it have just been an "early" purse?
Either way - I'd keep it and use it - using it will not reduce its value.