FineArt printing of b/w pictures with 16 bit?

I'm somewhat older and I've learned my artisanry in a real, chemical darkroom and with b/w negatives in 6 x 7 cm. My pictures from that time are still unsurpassed concerning the richness of tonal values.

256 gray shades seem to me *really* poor.

My questions:

- Are there means in printing b/w pictures (including sepia-like pictures in A-RGB) with 16 bit, at least for professional services with adequate papers?

- Are there service providers (in Germany) who offer printing in *really* 16 bit, i.e. from file input, raster image prozessor, printer?

- Will be there visible differences, if I have a 16 bit b/w?

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Johannes

Germany)