About three weeks ago I did this job, new axle bearings and seals. What I pulled out was the original stuff from '59.
A leather based seal, the bearing, then the big washer sort of plate (which I think you are terming the retainer?). I have also seen this termed a "deflector".
In that order, looking from the brake shoe side of things toward the pumpkin. Seal, bearing, then deflector is how each side came apart for me.
I re-installed the same order. So far (200 or so miles) it's been OK.
