Chainsaw Repair

SawTroll.."..It would be interesting to know when your saw was made, to tell which cover was the original. Post the serial number, if you don't know how to decode it.....
A picture of the starter side would also be of interest..."

The serial number on the badge,  or am I looking for a stamped one on the casing?
The badge just above the oil filler has 7240176.  I tried learning how to read that number.  No real success sofar.  1997,  week 24?
Here are side views of that 254.  It does have slots for the plastic tabs on a clutch cover,  which fits with Farmboy's data if this 254 is pre 1998.

My 154 has on it's badge...1984,  007947.  It has a plastic cover with tabs,  so is perhaps an early 254 cover.