How can I remove an old security page handle on an exterior iron gate that needs to be replaced?

we have an iron wrought iron gate that is probably 40 years old. A deadbolt lock is below the page handle. The page handle is just hanging and I want to replace it myself, but there are no screws to loosen the rose and I can't get the handles off. I can see the 2 screws inside that I need to loosen, but cannot remove the round to get in there. Any suggestions beside just brute force?