I'm considering purchasing a commercial Mauser in 8x57 with a pre WWI serial number, marked 2.75 g G.B.P. on the receiver and double set triggers attached to the trigger guard. The bolt has been swept and the barrel is not original. I'm thinking it would be a great project and have it re barreled in 275 for a poor man's Rigby. A guy can dream, right?!
The thing is the rifle has a thumb push safety so I have two questions:
Is the safety original (which I doubt) and if not, what exactly is it; and
if the safety is not original, can it be removed without damaging the receiver?

Thanks