Residents of a tower block in Tipton are said to be furious after an historic piece of graffiti has turned up in a Paris auction house.
The crude drawing of a spray painted penis above the legend "Lisa T is a slag. IDEMT" had taken pride of place on the side of the building for many years.
Local politicians have expressed their anger at the removal and are demanding the work's return.
The artwork believed to be by local artist "Donna" is expected to fetch bids in advance of £200000.
Locals are devastated that someone is going to profit from what is considered to be a local landmark.
The work is an excellent commentary on today's society and has featured in a number of television programmes including Crimewatch UK and Police, Camera, Action.
It is claimed that a number of similar artworks by Donna, who works under a hoodie of anonymity, have been removed from the area, recently.
The vandalised bus shelter in Thorpe Road and the outstanding "Mr Davis is a nonse" bandstand in Tipton Park are now believed to be in the hands of the Saudi Royal family.
The leader of Tipton council was unavailable for comment.