I've been after one of those (in person, not on line) for a long time.  I'd pay that much without blinking.  That said, they were not competitive when I first saw them back in the late 1950s, but I thought they were classier than the 52s and 37s the guys I knew were using.

That rifle is not a factory walnut hill nor a 418. It was assembled using a earlier model 44 action with a 7 o’clock extractor, and was fitted with a much later model walnut hill 417 1/2 barrel and forearm, with a custom pistol grip stock with cheek piece. This rifle was talked about on another thread.

Other than that it was an attractive rifle except for maybe the buttstock. I wouldn’t have paid nearly that much for it.

I have several of the originals. Well built and extremely accurate. Prices seem to have gone up since I bought mine years back.

I got mine for $850 in March at auction. Model 417-2 "Walnut Hill", Factory Lyman 144 tang sight - windage and elevation. Heavy target Frame  Just liked the look. Saw an early October sale at $1,550.                                          

My 418 with sling and a correct Weaver 438 scope from a March 2021 auction at $600

Even a blind squirrel...

It's a nice sling but I doubt that it is original. Aged leather, like me.

My 418 in .22 short has what I believe is an original sling. Looks just like the sling in your picture Larry.