Jamie,
The sword is Model 1850 line officer's sword.From the picture you posted it looks well made.It sdould have a stoped blood grove on the balde.The guard is of brasss.The covering on the grip is of shark skin and wrap with brass wire.Over all leght should be around 30 and 1/2 inches .this is is guess from picture.
I beleived this is an example of one the small makers in NY.One the big makerers in NY was Tiffang & Co NY,yes this the same Tiffrany's store in NY.They stamped on the blade.Do a google search on American sord makers, one site list thes small makers.I wish you had post some pictures fo us old folks.Also there are a lot books on this.Check with youu local library.If have any more question,send me an e-mial at ejmiller@comcast.net

I hope this will help
Ed