An exceptional early Frères Rochat singing bird box with fusee automaton movement, stamped with the rare three-tulip mark and numbered 127. This important example belongs to the earliest and most desirable group of Rochat singing bird boxes, confirmed by the presence of the three-tulip stamp to the movement and the low serial number 127, placing it firmly within the early production of Frères Rochat, circa 1820. The box is housed in a refined rectangular case of rich, dark polished finish, of elegant and restrained form typical of Rochat’s early output. The case retains its original hinged rear compartment for the winding key, a feature associated with the earliest fusee-driven examples. The lid is centred with a finely mounted gold plaque, beautifully hand-painted in enamel with a detailed alpine landscape, depicting mountainous scenery with a dwelling and naturalistic foreground. The scene is framed within an ornate gold surround of scrolling Rococo design with engine-turned and lattice decoration, demonstrating the high level of decorative craftsmanship characteristic of Rochat’s finest work. The underside of the lid is decorated with a finely painted floral posy on a vibrant green ground. Upon operation of the front lever, the lid opens to reveal the finely pierced and engraved gilt grille. From this emerges a brightly coloured bird of expressive and relatively large form—typical of early Rochat production—which performs a full and animated sequence. The movement is a key-wound, chain-driven fusee automaton, of superior quality. Fusee examples such as this represent the earliest and most complex form of singing bird box mechanism, allowing both longer duration of song and greater sophistication of movement than later going-barrel examples. The bird performs a complete sequence including: lateral head movement from left to right wing articulation rotational body movement (pirouette) before returning beneath the grille as the lid closes. Frères Rochat—comprising three brothers working in Switzerland in the early 19th century—were among the greatest makers of singing bird boxes and mechanical automata. Their work represents the pinnacle of the art form, combining highly sophisticated fusee-driven mechanisms with exceptional decorative craftsmanship. The combination of early fusee movement, three-tulip Rochat mark, and low serial number firmly establishes this as a significant early example, highly sought after by collectors. Swiss, circa 1820