Art lovers are clammering to bid for Britain's biggest Banksy, when it goes up for auction this month.
The huge artwork, believed to be the mysterious artist's biggest, comes complete with the derelict pub underneath when it goes under the hammer in Liverpool on 18th February.
Experts have suggested the artwork could be worth in excess of £1 million.
Bristol-born graffiti giant Banksy daubed the 30-foot-high rat holding a machine gun on the Whitehouse pub in Berry Street, as part of Liverpool's Biennial art festival in 2004.
As an official commission the work is a rarity for Banksy who has stopped authenticating his work to prevent dealers from cashing-in on his now global fame.
James Kersh, director of Sutton Kersh auctioneers said: "This is a unique opportunity for both investors and Banksy enthusiasts, and we have been inundated with offers for the building.
"The pub is a Grade II listed building, but Banksy was commissioned to paint the work in 2004, and many of the offers we have received have been from art dealers.
"Initially we had placed this on the market as a development opportunity, but the guide price of £80,000 pounds does not take into account the added value of the artwork, which is almost impossible to estimate.
"It is anticipated that this may generate offers vastly above the guide value."
Banksy has now conquered the art world, selling his unique pieces for millions, and counts Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie amongst his fans.
His fame hit new heights in 2009 when his Bristol exhibition saw hundreds of thousands of fans queue for up to five hours to see his latest pieces.
Liverpool-based urban art experts Purple Revolver, who have campaigned for the giant Banksy to be preserved, said it could easily fetch £1 million at auction.
Director Andy Johnson said: "This is Britain's biggest Banksy, painted while he was still relatively unknown and the value reflects its size.
"As a graffiti artist, Banksy has gained international acclaim for his work, many of which now command millions at auction.
"This piece is unusual, due to its size and the fact that Banksy was commissioned as part of the Liverpool Biennial compared with his underground street art in Bristol and London.
"This artwork must be preserved, and could become a massive tourist attraction for the city."
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