1935 Sedan Exterior Door Handle Locked Out

[JEFF0067]

I am pretty sure that I am asking a rookie question here. In an attempt to replace the worn exterior door handle gaskets on my 1935 Sedan I seem to have locked myself out. I was able to remove the passenger side rear door handle pretty effortlessly. When I tried to reinstall it I found that it was near impossible. I figured I would pull the door panel to take a look and found that the inside door handle would no longer open the door. I now have no working handles and I am reaching out for some help and advice to open this door and reinstall the exterior door handle. Where do I go from here? Thanks in advance for any advice that you might have!