Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a very scarce model of uniform identified to an important officer in Marine Corps history. This well-worn and stained Model 1898 USMC Officer’s khaki tunic is stamped twice on the interior:

LIEUT. S.W. BREWSTER
U.S. MARINES

Brewster attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with high honors and being appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on February 20th, 1900. During his duty in the first decade of the 20th century, he spent five and a half years in the Philippines, seeing much active duty there. Around 1911, after falling ill with pneumonia, he retired, remaining in reserve service in case of war of recruiting purposes. He re-entered the service during the WWI period for the purpose of recruiting. After the war was over, he became the founder and first Commandant of the Marine Corps League:

In 1922, retired Maj. Sidney W. Brewster had a vision in which thousands of Marines had seen service with the corps, and as they marched before him in a large parade, he conceived the idea of making his vision a reality. “Once a Marine, always!” was embodied in the thought of “Why not?” from then until February 1923, the vision became an obsession until others with whom Brewster talked also became impressed, and they, too, echoed, “Why not?”

From 1919-1923, veteran organizations sprang up in all parts of the country, and in almost every section, enthusiasm for such gatherings became a vital factor in the community’s life. The Marines were not behind in these matters, and clubs, associations, and groups were formed in keeping with the prevalent feeling of comradeship and good fellowship. They had served and fought together, and now, they met to recount the days of 1917 through 1919 spent in Parris Island, Quantico, France, and Germany.

A gathering was convened on Nov. 10, 1922, by Brewster at the Hotel McAlpin in New York City to talk over the problem of making contacts and cementing relationships with other Marine Corps veteran organizations which had been formed in various parts of the country. Others in attendance were First Lt. Paul Howard, retired; First Lt. James Duffy, retired; Second Lt. Frank D’Ipoli, Albert Lages, Milton Solomon, Roy Hagan, Frank Lambert, Miss Ray Sawyer, Mrs. Mae Garner, Webster de S. Smith, Merle McAlister, Rev. J. H. Clifford, and others were present. After a lengthy discussion, the major’s vision materialized, and at this meeting, he was elected temporary chairman and Miss Sawyer temporary secretary, and Raymond Wills, temporary treasurer.

A committee was then appointed to lay plans for a national organization and the name of Marine Corps Veterans Association was adopted. The titles of officers were then changed to commandant, adjutant, paymaster, etc.

The first national commandant, Maj. Brewster was elected by acclamation, holding that position until the election of Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune at the second annual convention.

This makes Brewster a significant figure in Marine Corps history.

The uniform tunic has two rows of pockets instead of the one row you normally see on M1898 uniforms. This may be because it is an officer’s tunic, but we cannot say for certain. The high collar retains the two hook & loop closure, and all buttons are retained on the front, however the two cuff buttons are now gone, with stitching in their place. The tunic has very heavy staining and wear across it, with some field stitch repairs on the back of the collar. 

This is a heavily service-worn example, identified to an important figure in Marine Corps history. Ready for display!