If there is a way to tell the difference between a '52 and a '53 I've not found it.
If you don't care about originality, I see no reason not to use a GMC cab if you find one. I think the main differences are the guages and the trim, which says GMC instead of Chevrolet.
The early cabs have a center mount in the rear, the later cabs mount to the frame rails at the rear using something similar in appearance to a spring shackle, but smaller. Sorry I don't remember which year was the change, but if you can determine which you have, a swap will be easier if you don't need to change.
I don't think an Art Deco cab would be an easy swap to an AD frame, and you'd have to change the hood, fenders and grill too.
