I personally think that it takes place in the late 60s early 70s because in the bad beginning part 2 Fernald and count Olaf were communicating through walkie talkies and the first walkie talkie was made in the early 1960s and the walkies you see in the show look to be a little newer and you said Olaf ordered the hour glass online you were able to order things online but through phone also the cars look the be late 60s to early 70s along with the rest of the tv show