What would AA stand for on an old 5 liter wooden cask?

Question

I have a 5 liter wooden cask I just picked up from an auction. It has a metal handle and the a hold for it to be tapped in the center. It has AA on the top and bottom.

Answer 1

alchemist altar?

Answer 2

You have the AA Cask? My uncle Albert's ashes were in that cask and it was sold at an auction. What are you going to use my Uncle Albert's ashes for, eh?

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Answer 3

It's probably a cooper's mark, being the maker's initials or the name of his shop.