“Alarm” Toy Boat

The Eameses’ toy collection was meant to be used and enjoyed, and Charles would happily demonstrate to his grandchildren how this toy boat could shoot marble “cannon balls” from a wooden cannon by using a plunger device. In a fitting synthesis of form, function, and decoration, the rest of the boat’s design is clearly intended to set the scene for play battle. Its name, Alarm, appears in red lettering near the boat’s bow. Cannons are depicted along its sides, shown at the height of action with fiery blasts and billowing smoke emerging from them. Below, a choppy sea is pictured, further contributing to the image of a chaotic battle scene.