Numbers on the bb are usually fairly easy to decipher. If it has a big C with a small w or "Cw" then the date is stamped right on the bottom. Don't remember all the eras they did that for but for sure but they did that in the early 50s. If it is not as simple as Cw52 for a 1952, then you can always go to the serial number thread over at the cabe to figure it out.