Here is a good thread on the serials for the M38:
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=23222
The CFR was not on the data plate. Your serial is indicative of the 151st M38 off the Ford assembly line, and according to the quoted thread, would have been February of 52. Ford normally sorrounded the serial numbers of their vehicles with the F on one end and an asterisk at the end to prevent the addition of any digits to the serial number by ill intention-ed used car salesman.
The CFR can usually be found stamped on the left front frame rail, or if the original paint is still present under the many layers, it may be painted under the door openings. But there are exceptions....some were not stamped, and in other cases frames were replaced.