Linda, from what I understand, it's a badged name...Peerless machines were sold by a company that had other's make the machines for them. Chicago Sewing Machine Company was one. Peerless, I understand, was also made by White. (Altho your's was obviously made by CSMC ;) )
I don't have a clue as to the age of the machine...guessing about the early 1900's?