A “motion for expulsion,†circa 1868, in which a Georgia state senator rouses his compatriots to throw fellow black legislators out of the state senate, which sold for six times the estimate at $3,851.

Alexander Autographs reported that its auction on November 6‷ demonstrated a dramatic resurgence of interest in African Americana †ranging from inspirational documents, letters and signed photos to chilling relics from the slave trade.

According to founder Bill Panagopulos, African American historical items generated bids ranging from 50 to 75 percent in excess of the expected price. “Autographs and memorabilia are always tied to what’s going on in popular culture,” said Panagopulos. “After Apollo 13, space memorabilia took off; following the movies Glory and Gettysburg, Civil War items went through the roof, and now with the first African American president set to take office, we’ve seen an extraordinary spike in interest in items tracking the path of African Americans from slavery to freedom to equality.”

Looking ahead, Panagopulos said that 2009, which marks the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth, will be huge for collectors.

Among the highlights from the auction, a letter from Martin Luther King Jr thanking the New York Police Department for protecting him went for twice the estimate to sell at $5,036.

Slave middle passage double shackle leg restraint sold for $2,350. This chilling relic from the transAtlantic slave trade features an iron bar bearing four horseshoe-shaped ankle restraints.

A “motion for expulsion,” circa 1868, in which a Georgia state senator rouses his compatriots to throw fellow black legislators out of the state senate, which ranks as one of the most racist speeches ever given before a legislative body, sold for six times the estimate, bringing $3,851.

A letter about the New York City draft riots (1863) written to a Union soldier stationed in New Orleans, graphically describing the mob violence targeting blacks, realized twice the estimate at $1,896.

Items dealing with the success of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, featured in the film Glory went for well over the high estimates, attaining $3,851.

A Lincoln military promotion and a postmaster’s appointment fetched $8,625 and $8,050, respectively; each well above recently realized prizes for similar such documents.

A child’s slave collar, extremely rare hand-forged example. Slave dealers placed a premium on child and teenaged enslaved Africans. Although various shackles for adult slaves are commonly seen, those used on children are seldom offered. This one brought $1,300.

Jack Ruby memorabilia was also strong, generating $22,000 (double the estimate) and consisting of eight lots of never-before-released tapes and notes from a member of the defense team of Ruby, the man who shot Lee Harvey Oswald, president John F. Kennedy’s assassin. This material had never been offered before and was sold to an institution in Texas.

In addition, memorabilia from the founding of Apple Computer generated substantial interest and prices realized were very strong. The original sign used by Apple Computer to promote its startup at the firm’s first trade show in 1976 sold for $2,133, while Steve Wozniak’s heavily used blue steel tool box, an extraordinary relic with which he built the first Apple II computer, exceeded estimates, selling for $8,295.

Prices reported include the buyer’s premium. For information, 203-276-1570 or www.alexautographs.com .