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IIRC, the pre-production and the first 3600 of the production model did not have the thumb safety, since Sauer considered it unnecessary with their cock/decock lever. It was added at the request of the German military; its "add on" nature is indicated by the fact that it works backward from similar German pistols of the era.
So I think it is doubtful that the gun shown was a pre-production model, though it might well have been taken from the Sauer factory; many incomplete pistols and parts were found in the factory and many unmarked and un-numbered guns were assembled for American troops before the area was turned over to the Russians and the East German puppet state.
There is a Sauer 38 expert who turns up from time to time on these sites; he is a rude and (IMHO) rather nasty person, but he does know those guns. Perhaps his ears will burn and he will show up to correct us all.
Jim
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