Here I will discuss the different types of Polish Pottery made at the Boleslawiec Factory, Manufaktura, and how their price is determined.  You will notice a wide range of prices when looking at this type of pottery on ebay.  The main factor that affects the price of any particular piece is the type of pattern on the pottery.  Classic line pieces are nearly always the least expensive.  These patterns tend to be less intricate, requiring less time and skill by the artisans who create them, thus allowing a greater production line and less expense in their manufacture.  Examples of these patterns include Peacock (54), Rhine Valley (RV), Tiny Grapes (AW), and Blue Leaves (WA). 

Unikat pieces are the next level up.  Unikat means "unique", and it is certainly true that no two Polish Pottery pieces are exactly alike.  Unikat line designs are usually marked "unikat" somewhere on the piece, near the maker's mark.  Unikat pieces are more collectable, due to the fact that their designs tend to be more intricate.  The most collectable of the Unikat pieces are the signed, limited edition pieces.  These are also the pieces that tend to have the highest price.  Created exclusively by one artist, their production run is limited annually.  My understanding is that only a certain number of these pieces is made each year. 

Many people mistakenly believe that they are truly limited (ie, no more than 200 pieces made, etc.).  They are limited in the sense that only one artist paints these pieces, and they can accomplish the creation of only so many within a certain time frame.  To my knowledge, there is no maximum limit set on the lifetime of the particular pattern.  The signature pieces are definitely the most collectable, as they are always very intricate in design, are more limited in production, and sometimes have special touches that you don't find on other pieces (ie, blonde hair painted in on Bluebird pattern cheeseladies).  In short, unikat pieces actually fall into two catagories: regular & signature.  Examples of regular unikat patterns include: Roses (DP17), KLZ, DSO, & RP26.    Examples of signature unikat patterns include: Bluebird (BB), Robin (BE), GAJ, Chandler (BM) and Folk Art (ASW). 

Another factor that affects price is the shape and size of the piece.  If you are looking for a bargain in the Unikat pieces, it is worth noting that sometimes prices on smaller pieces are the same across the board.  For example, the suggested retail price of a mini pretzel box is the same regardless of pattern.  On the other hand, some of the larger pieces, such as a large round platter or ruffled chicken baker, can be priced almost double on a signed unikat piece in contrast to a classic line piece.

Prices can differ greatly according to seller.  Some sellers discount their pottery substantially and inflate their shipping costs, some ship for free but raise the price of their pottery.  Some are even across the board and charge the straight price on the item, plus a fair price to ship.  As a seller of this pottery, I try to stock my ebay store well and then sell items in online auctions with a low opening bid to help introduce customers to my ebay store.  This is done in hopes that their experience with me will have been pleasant and they will return to buy from me again.   Occassionally, I will offer free shipping, but usually only when ebay is running a listing fee special, so that I can use what I would have paid in ebay fees to help me cover the cost of shipping your pottery.  In selecting a seller, I suggest carefully considering their length of time on ebay, taking time to look at their feedbacks and in doing so, watch for comments regarding the quality of the seller's packaging. 

Have fun collecting this beautiful, unique and functional pottery! 
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