Space Elephant was designed and created in 1980, and the bronze cast made in 1981.
It was purchased from Bonhams in Knightsbridge, London, in 2003, by the person now selling it.
The body of Salvador Dali, who was born May 11, 1904, in Figueres, Spain and died there January 23, 1989, was coincidentally exhumed a week ago to have DNA samples taken for use in a paternity claim.
Officials hope the results will settle a suit from a 61-year-old tarot card reader who for many years has claimed to be the artist's daughter and only child.
Previous tests using samples from personal items that once belonged to Dali were inconclusive.
Last week's exhumation particularly delighted the embalmer who worked on Dali when he died, say reports.
The enigmatic artist's trademark moustache apparently still graces his well preserved face.
Meanwhile, the vendor of the also enigmatic Space Elephant is likely to be hoping another aspect of Dali's legacy - demand for his work - has staying power, too.
The auction house puts an expected price range on the small sculpture between $15,000 and $25,000.
It goes under the hammer on August 8.
