diff --git a/src/apply.c b/src/apply.c
index f127f17b5..00a9c47b6 100644
--- a/src/apply.c
+++ b/src/apply.c
@@ -1887,11 +1887,6 @@ struct obj *otmp;
 		goto see_streaks;	/* okay even if not touchstone */
 		/*NOTREACHED*/
 		break;
-	    case GOLD:
-		color = "golden";
-		goto see_streaks;
-		/*NOTREACHED*/
-		break;
 	    }
 	    return;
 	}
@@ -1908,6 +1903,11 @@ struct obj *otmp;
 	    return;
 	}
 
+	if (material == GOLD) {
+	    color = "golden";
+	    goto see_streaks;
+	}
+
 	switch (obj->oclass) {
 	  case GOLD_CLASS:
 	    color = "golden";