Can someone give me a history lesson?

I've poked around the site a little and couldn't find the answer to a question. What year did Willys vehicles become "Jeep"? I have a 1953 M38A1 and all the data plates say Willys Overland. What year did the "Jeep" stamp appear on the CJ-5's? Thanks!

 

http://www.willysoverland.com/index.php/WO/history/

 

So according to the timeline in the article linked above, the word "Jeep" didn't officially appear on any tags or stamped metal until 1963. Does this sound about right? Thanks for the info JP. I'm working on a little project and want to make sure I have the right year.

 

I believe my tub to be original on my 63' and it has JEEP on it.

 

Willys got the right to put "jeep" on its vehicles in the mid-50's ('53-'54?), after a legal fight with ford, bantam, minneapolis-moline (actually 1st 4wd with "jeep" name attached to its NTX model-before bantam jeep was even built), and others. Willys had been using jeep name since before WW2 ended in its advertising and that was the bar the court used to award Willys the name. Military jeeps built under Willys never(?) had the jeep name on them.

 

CJ5's came out in '55, and they said JEEP on the side. M38 military Jeeps were made '50-'52, and they said Jeep on the front of the toolbox under the pass. seat, in script letters, if that counts.

 

My 45 2A has jeep stamped on the toolbox front, as they all do. Willys did this on purpose so they could say that they had jeep on a vehicle to help them in the trademark battle.

 

Thanks guys! This helps me out a lot! I'm having a decal designed to put on my M38A1 that will incorporate a Tonka logo and either Willys Overland or Jeep as well. I've had a person tell me that my M38A1 technically isn't a "Jeep" but is a "Willys" I of course think they need a better education but wanted to have the facts before I put the poor guy down in front of his friends! BTW, he drives AMC eagle 4WD station wagon, with a lift! (Trying hard not to laugh...)