sea, add me to your list!!!!!! i still have my very first.... first flat brass black which i bought in bal paris. the original bags had no mirror, but did have the detachable shoulder strap which i used to take off like the old pix you have.
btw, i have met maria luisa in paris. she owns quite a few stores on the block perpindicular to rue cambon where the chanel mothership is located. her women's clothing store was one of the first stores in paris to carry bal bags although a very limited selection. however, every time i see her in the area, she is usually carrying a bal bag. she is quite friendly and loves to discuss fashion.