Hi, I am Bill Hughes and a newby. I just purchased my first S & W. It is a model 10-5 SN D29840. Finish is about 70 to 80 percent due to being stored in a holster for a long time. I purchased it for shooting and paid $280.00. Is that a fair price?
It also has U.S. stamped on the back strap. What does that mean? Sorry, no photos just now my camera is broken. Thanks Bill Hughes

Greetings;
I'll take the liberty of welcoming you to the forum; Welcome!!
I'll let somebody that knows what they're talking about comment on age of firearm, but, $280 for a good shooter S&W is a fine way to start!
TACC1

Welcome Bill!

Yes. You did very well on a fine S&W. Enjoy it!

Is it a police trade? $270-$300 is the going rate in my area for these. Model 10s are great fun as shooters, I think you will enjoy it a lot.

Looks like your gun was made in 1967-68.

During that time frame a number of Model 10 were purchased by the US military. That probably accounts for the US on the backstrap.

I will leave any specifics to those wiser than me.