Murdered businessman Brett Kebble's pride and joy, his extensive art collection, will be auctioned on Thursday at Summer Place, Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
"It is going to be the biggest auction of its kind in South Africa, with potentially the highest amount realised at an art auction," said auctioneer and gallery owner Graham Britz.
He said about 500 people would be attending and several others would be bidding telephonically.
"We have had a tremendous response, including interested parties from New York, London and Perth," Britz said.
Despite the credit crunch he was optimistic about record sales.
"South African art is very popular internationally and art, as a commodity, has been performing better than equities," Britz said.
Despite Kebble's murder, and a strong whiff of scandal, anyone who is anyone in art circles is expected to be there, or at least have a representative present.
While the auctioneers are remaining tight-lipped about who is on the guest list, Graham's Fine Art Gallery marketing manager, Laurelle Baard, said there had been a tremendous response.
"Potential investors range from private collectors to companies, both local and international.
"Unfortunately, we can't give out information on registered bidders."
The catalogue, with more than 130 works, includes artists such as Vladimir Tretchikoff, Irma Stern, Maggie Laubscher, Walter Battiss, J H Pierneef, Alexis Preller and Peter Wenning.
Media ranging from works on paper to oil paintings and sculptures will be for sale.
Auctioneers believe the auction could raise about R100 million.
However, it is known that waiting in the wings are many people who would like to get their hands on the money.
The tax man alone has lodged a R183m claim on Kebble's estate for unpaid income tax, PAYE and Vat.
Sars spokesperson Adrian Lackay said their claim had been accepted and approved, and was now with the executors.
"Each creditor will get a portion of the recovered money," Lackay said.
Another figure haunting the meticulously manicured lawns of the 3.26ha Summer Place for this sale might well be its former owner, Marino Chiavelli, an Italian businessman linked to some suspect deals, who bought it in 1984 and died a pauper.
Much like Kebble's assets, Summer Place was auctioned in 1994. Solly Krok paid R12.65m for Summer Place.
When the lights are dimmed and the deals concluded, it will bring an end to a surreal era, a lavish display, almost as showy as the art work on sale.