diff --git a/chrome/content/zotero/bindings/merge.xml b/chrome/content/zotero/bindings/merge.xml
index 92eb08290..69a32cda1 100644
--- a/chrome/content/zotero/bindings/merge.xml
+++ b/chrome/content/zotero/bindings/merge.xml
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@
 						// TODO: Make sure object is the correct type
 						
 						// Check for note or attachment if not already set
-						if (this._leftpane.ref == 'deleted' && this.type == 'item') {
+						if (this._leftpane.ref == 'deleted' && val instanceof Zotero.Item) {
 							this.type = this._getTypeFromItem(val);
 						}
 						
diff --git a/chrome/content/zotero/xpcom/data/item.js b/chrome/content/zotero/xpcom/data/item.js
index ebfb31199..47666c020 100644
--- a/chrome/content/zotero/xpcom/data/item.js
+++ b/chrome/content/zotero/xpcom/data/item.js
@@ -3667,6 +3667,7 @@ Zotero.Item.prototype.clone = function(includePrimary, newItem, unsaved) {
 	
 	Zotero.DB.beginTransaction();
 	
+	// TODO: get rid of serialize() call
 	var obj = this.serialize();
 	
 	var itemTypeID = this.itemTypeID;
@@ -4146,7 +4147,7 @@ Zotero.Item.prototype.serialize = function(mode) {
 		if (!this._primaryDataLoaded) {
 			this.loadPrimaryData(true);
 		}
-		if (!this._itemDataLoaded) {
+		if (!this._itemDataLoaded && this.id) {
 			this._loadItemData();
 		}
 	}