An early Rochat singing bird box with fusee automaton movement. This box, by Freres Rochat, fusee movement stamped with the three tulips symbol and the number 127 in the centre of the cluster, stamped to the top plate, which is the usual place. The tortoiseshell case with hinged snuff ( or key) compartment to the rear of the box. The gold lid is finely hand painted in enamel with an excellent Swiss alpine scene painting. The bezel surrounding the grille through which the bird pops up and down is also of gold. The key wound chain driven fusee movement working the bellows & driving multiple cams that on sliding the operating lever to the front, the lid opens and the bird pops up, sings its head off and 1/ turns its head from left to right, 2/ flaps the wings, 3/opens and shuts his beak and finally 4/ pirouettes left and right. On completion of his 18 second performance he drops through the superbly pierced silver gilt grille and the lid closes after him. All fusee movements allow the bird a longer performance than the later spring barrel movements but more importantly one extra manipulation, the movement of the head from left to right. Frères Rochat, one of the three great birdbox masters, were masters of their craft, and this box reflects their skill. Freres, which means brothers, and there were three brothers that worked together, hence the three tulip mark. Swiss 1820. 9.4cm Long by 6.2cm deep and 3cm high