Scene: 1800's Brooklyn townhouse. Repair after years of neglect. Finally getting to front door. Typical French doors, each 24" wide by ~9' tall.
Here's the mystery: the hinges are mortised into the doors backwards, hinges facing forward. this would normally be impossible to open, but the house side are screwed into a solid wood panel parallel with the door. No jamb on either side, a strong jamb above, but no molding.
There is fancy millwork all around, so the hinges just look out of place. The wall where the hinges are attached have interior molding, so it was probably original.
I just can't figure it out! (and I don't know how to restore it!)
any advice much appreciated!
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