The item you’re describing appears to be an aluminum cap or bottle cap marked with “PEERLESS” and “A.A. CO. NEWARK, N.J.” Here’s some context that might help identify it:
1. “Peerless” Brand
– Peerless was a common brand name used by various companies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly for bottles, closures, and household products.
– It was often associated with bottle caps, stoppers, or seals for beverages (soda, beer, medicine, or food containers).
2. “A.A. Co. Newark, N.J.”
– This likely refers to the American Aluminum Company (A.A. Co.), based in Newark, New Jersey, which manufactured aluminum products, including bottle caps and closures, in the early 1900s.
– Newark was a major hub for metal and glass manufacturing at the time.
3. Aluminum Cap Details
– Early aluminum caps were used as bottle seals (for soda, beer, or medicine bottles) before the widespread use of twist-off caps.
– Some were crimp-style seals (requiring an opener) or press-on caps for milk bottles or early soda bottles.
– If it has a cork or liner inside, it may be a crown cap (similar to old beer/soda caps).
Possible Uses & Era
– Age: Likely early 1900s (pre-1930s) when aluminum was becoming popular for closures.
– Purpose: Could have been used for soda, beer, medicine, or food packaging.
– Collectibility: Early aluminum caps are collectible, especially if they have clear branding like “PEERLESS.”
Next Steps for Research
– Check for patent numbers or markings on the cap.
– Compare it to known early 20th-century bottle closures.
– Look for old advertisements from A.A. Co. Newark or Peerless closures.
Would you be able to share a photo? That could help narrow down its exact use and age.