I have one ( stamped 1943 ), Nice weapon that will get the job done.
7.62x54 is equivalent to a .308
I believe the 7.62 has a slightly longer case and is a rimmed cartridge vs rimless .308
Chances are he wanted it for less than honest reasons.
Like the Idea though, there are those of us that are allergic to cameras, If I could go photoless.... I would.