diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/shields.dm b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/shields.dm
index b19928ad3f4..58623b9189c 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/shields.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/shields.dm
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@
 	name = "roman shield"
 	desc = "Bears an inscription on the inside: <i>\"Romanes venio domus\"</i>."
 	icon_state = "roman_shield"
+	item_state = "roman_shield"
 
 /obj/item/weapon/shield/energy
 	name = "energy combat shield"