Key visual features:
* Cylindrical shape: It's the most dominant feature.
* Metal construction: Usually cast iron or aluminum. It will likely show some surface rust or discoloration depending on its condition and the vehicle's history.
* Brake lines: Several brake lines (usually two) will connect to it. These are metal tubes.
* Push rod: A rod from the brake pedal assembly will push into the top of the master cylinder.
* Reservoir: A small, usually clear or translucent plastic reservoir on top will hold brake fluid. This reservoir will have a cap.
It's not easy to give a precise visual description without a picture of a specific 1987 S10's master cylinder, as there might be minor variations depending on options (e.g., rear drum brakes vs. disc brakes). However, the above description should give you a good idea of what to expect. A quick online image search for "1987 Chevy S10 master cylinder" will yield many visual examples.