Anyone have this PH4 rear aperture piece and lenses?

[Alan de Enfield]

This is one of those aspects of grammar that trips up enough people these days that one cannot assume much.

That may be true, but in English English I don't think there is any doubt to the meaning - remember also that the following was stated ................

The family business was passed on solely through the male line. In 1971, after selling the head office they moved all the remaining stock and long serving staff member, George Goble, around the corner to rented premises in Catherine Street. George, a dispensing optician, was now the only member of staff – running the shop but mainly retained to provide a service to long-standing customers and to reduce the stock levels. Then the remaining instrument part of the business finally moved out of London to Hove, Sussex in 1973. In 1975, despite the efforts of the founder’s great-grandson and his wife, the business closed its doors for the last time.

I would suggest the the 'long standing staff member' would be in no position to appoint anyone as his replacement and would need to refer his suggested successor to the 'family' for them to make / approve the appointment.