We have all seen chrome plated souveniers; sometimes done in the old country or done stateside.
One of the most prevalent new businesses started by GI's on return was the 'plating' shop. 1000's of rifles and pistols were plated here, long enough ago to look vintage.
If one does not have considerable and irrefutable provenance, a chrome plated weapon is just a GI's idea of something good looking to him or different.
If someone has offered $600 for this rifle, sight unseen; I would hold out for $1000!

Like Victor said on the duplicate post- there is one born every minute. When I buy something stupid or fake(read that paid too much), I operate on the bigger fool theory: 'Just wait, a bigger fool will come along and take it off my hands'.
On de-plating, that was an option at one time for sure- when there were dozens of small plating shops around, now it will likely cost more than the weapon is worth- unless you 'know' somebody.
JMHO, and this is one rare piece that I'm prepared to let go by; well heeled or not.