You have your terms confused,
pre 1898 is NOT a C&R. A C&R is anygun over 50 years old or one on the C&R list.For an unlicensed individual you must fill out a 4473 and go though the NCIS check,for those with a 03 FFL (C&R) you don't,we just enter them in the bound book.
Pre 1898 is a antique and you do not need a 4473 or a NICS check.
your delay is probably due to the NICS system being overwhelmed from working with the cenus bureau in checking the ACORN opps, I mean census employees.
http://thetruthaboutguns.com/tag/national-instant-criminal-background-check-system-nics/
