Overview
This is a piece of professional-grade hard-paste hotel porcelain made by Tafelstern in Germany, marked with shape or mold number 616.
Identification
Tafelstern German Porcelain Commercial Mug / Cup, Shape 616
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Tafelstern is a premium brand of BHS tabletop AG, a leading German manufacturer of professional porcelain for the global hospitality industry. The brand is renowned for producing durable, high-fired hard-paste porcelain designed to withstand commercial environments, with Shape 616 representing one of their modern, functional forms. The secondary market for commercial hotel porcelain is driven primarily by replacement buyers or bulk purchasers.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Assuming standard secondhand condition pending photo review. Commercial porcelain is highly durable; value retention depends on the absence of chips, cracks, or heavy utensil marks. The glaze should remain glossy and any applied patterns should be free of fading from commercial dishwashers.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for commercial hotel porcelain is driven primarily by replacement buyers or bulk purchasers. Single mugs move slowly unless they feature a highly desirable consumer pattern or a specific luxury hotel logo. Buyers are typically found on platforms like eBay, where plain white or standard commercial shapes often sell for under $10 individually.
Value Drivers
▲ German hard-paste porcelain construction ensures commercial-grade durability
▲ Recognizable hospitality brand aids in searchability for replacement buyers
Concerns
▼ Single commercial mugs have very low individual resale demand compared to full sets
▼ High shipping costs relative to the item's baseline value often deter single-item buyers
Best Venue
Given the low individual value, listing a single mug online may not yield a profitable return after shipping and marketplace fees. Consider grouping with other Tafelstern pieces to create a bulk lot. If listing individually as a replacement piece, price around $10-$12 on eBay with clear keywords (Tafelstern, Shape 616, Germany).
Upside Potential
If this specific mug features a rare, discontinued custom pattern or logo made for a famous luxury hotel or cruise line, it could appeal to niche hospitality memorabilia collectors, potentially pushing the value into the $25-$40 range.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
- $12