I bought one like the pictured rifle in Dec 2008 for $200 shipped to my door. It was refurbed with the M44 stock and probably not fired since being refurbished. I took mine out for the first time a week ago and was really impressed with it...these carbines are lots of fun!
The supplier I got these from had since run out, and I'm not aware of anyone else bringing them in, or whether there's anymore to be had from overseas. I suggest you tell your friend to clean it up and take good care of it, since it does have the potential of becoming more valuable in the future, if the prices haven't already begun to climb.
Regards,
Frank