Pre Model 10 at local gunshop

[cheslerfive]

Saw a 3" .38 special k frame at the local large gun shop. Price tag called it a model 10. I don't quite know what it is: Ser #773xx,looked like a 1905 but not quite, no trade mark on either side. Smooth wood grips, not numbered, older "lazy" ampersand. Patina, maybe 40-50% thin blueing where it still has it. Barrel looked good,serial under barrel matched, carried forever, shoot some but not often by the look/lock-up etc. Last price dickered for was $250 otd.No pictures available probably not enough info to identify but any thoughts,things to look at etc. I did not buy it but it's been in the case awhile, maybe a month or two.
Thanks for any help

 

[cheslerfive]

Saw a 3" .38 special k frame at the local large gun shop. Price tag called it a model 10. I don't quite know what it is: Ser #773xx,looked like a 1905 but not quite, no trade mark on either side. Smooth wood grips, not numbered, older "lazy" ampersand. Patina, maybe 40-50% thin blueing where it still has it. Barrel looked good,serial under barrel matched, carried forever, shoot some but not often by the look/lock-up etc. Last price dickered for was $250 otd.No pictures available probably not enough info to identify but any thoughts,things to look at etc. I did not buy it but it's been in the case awhile, maybe a month or two.
Thanks for any help

 

[Art Doc]

A 3" barrel is unlikely. Standard lengths were 2, 4, 5 and 6. Measure from the front of the cylinder and not the frame and I bet it's 4".

Is that number from the butt? If so it's a very early gun (so early that the 3" becomes more feasible on an earlier model) and the cylinder will not be tempered making anything other than target loads unwise.

$250 seems to be the going rate for well worn shooter M&Ps. I've seen much more being asked.