You use the engine numbers. You do a search on the internet.

 

Well I did it says the engine is made after 2004 since it has 5 digits in the engine model number

 

Well since this is in the Craftsman forum I am guessing it is a Craftsman.
Since he has no sticker he has no model number.
It is about the same year as my 5/22.
I have a sticker on the back of mine, I still can't get a year of build date.
No one knows, even though I have ALL the numbers.
Mine is from around 2000, I bought it new.

You say yours is missing the number UNDER the handle?
What handle?
Mine is on the lower back rear?

Edit, Post a few pictures?

 

ed
the engine serial and model numbers are stamped into the steel housing of the cooling shroud.it should have the electric starter button screwed down over them that's what he needs to post

 

ed
the engine serial and model numbers are stamped into the steel housing of the cooling shroud.it should have the electric starter button screwed down over them that's what he needs to post

Ok, I never knew that, as I have a sticker on it.
So I have to unscrew the starter switch box to see them, up top here?

 

Biggest thing to help identify age without a model number would be the engine number or info out of the manual. Manual should have a copyright date on it, so it's likely no older than that date. Another is if the blower has a tecumseh gear transmission or friction disc drive. They cut over from one to the other around the mid to late 80's.

 

At the, end of the Day Does it really matter what year it was made?

 

Sure, for historical value.