Hopefully an installation done in 1888 would be out of comission by now but you could still have fully servicable and compliant installations to the 14th & 15th editions which can not be deemed unsatisfactory just because there is a newer addition to the regs.
Take for example a 16th edition installation installed in 2005 and due it's 1st periodic now. This installation will not have all socket outlets RCD protected nor will it have RCD protection on all circuits in bath / shower rooms etc. but the installation can still be satisfactory.
All opinions welcome.