Ultra high quality american high rank officer / general sword - saber.
Absolutely beautiful, truly presentation grade weapon of status!   
Outstanding ornate crisp details on gold gilded hilt parts - hand guard and pommel.
One piece white color grip carved from cattle b0ne (mentioned to comply with ebay policy). Cattle is a large domestic farm animal kept for their milk or meat. This animal is not threatened or endangered or protected by cites, the endangered species act, or any other state, federal, or international laws. It is legal to sell this item and this listing follows ebay rules.
Steel scabbard with gilded ornate brass fitting of superb quality. 
Engraved at the top fitting (throat) with presentation inscription: " new york, nov. 23 1852. Presented to cap-t. N. Herff by the 10th troop e.h. iii reg-t as a testimonie for past services".
Owners name: n. Herff on hilt back-strap.
High quality fullered blade with stunning, about 12 inches yelman. 
Original leather washer on blade, under hand-guard is still present
Apparently unmark (no maker's marks) - most likely made on special order, circa middle of 19th century - right before american civil war.
  size:
About 38 7/8 in. (98.7 cm) long in scabbard (straight line).
About 38 9/16 in. (98 cm) out of scabbard.
Blade is 32 3/4 in. (83.2 cm) long. 
  condition:
Very good original antique condition with honest wear and charming indication of age. 
Noticeable play between hilt parts.
Beautiful age patina and minor normal stable age cracks to b0ne grip.
Blade is in excellent original uncleaned condition with minor dark spots - will clean up easily, shows light age wear. 
No pitting, no sharpening marks.
Expected wear to gold gilding on hilt parts and scabbard mounts. 
Good amount of gold is still present.
Light shallow dents and minor imperfection to scabbard.  
Super rare, finest quality about 170 years old antique american sword.