diff --git a/src/invent.c b/src/invent.c
index ab1ffc004..46d441e84 100644
--- a/src/invent.c
+++ b/src/invent.c
@@ -3622,7 +3622,7 @@ doorganize() /* inventory organizer by Del Lamb */
             pline1(Never_mind);
             return 0;
         }
-        if ((letter(let) && let != '@') || index(buf, let))
+        if ((letter(let) && let != '@') || index(buf, let) && let != '-')
             break; /* got one */
         if (trycnt == 5)
             goto noadjust;