diff --git a/src/wield.c b/src/wield.c
index f06215117..11565e3bf 100644
--- a/src/wield.c
+++ b/src/wield.c
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ ready_weapon(struct obj *wep)
         }
 
         /* KMH -- Talking artifacts are finally implemented */
-        if (wep && wep->oartifact) {
+        if (wep->oartifact) {
             res |= arti_speak(wep); /* sets ECMD_TIME bit if artifact speaks */
         }