http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?t=49781
clearer photos of the left side and rear markings are needed.
Not to doubt your friend, but lots of fake navies out there. Is the barrel matching (I ask because of the 4 inch barrel shown in the pictures).
it looks like a nice rep piece, probably worth $2000-$3000 if all matching, as its condition looks a bit rougher.....