diff -u -r angban~1.old/src/cmd6.c angban~1/src/cmd6.c
--- angban~1.old/src/cmd6.c	Wed Jul 12 23:14:24 2000
+++ angban~1/src/cmd6.c	Mon Jul 17 09:33:22 2000
@@ -2732,9 +2732,8 @@
 }
 
 
-
 /*
- * Enchant some bolts
+ * Enchant some (non-magical) bolts
  */
 static bool brand_bolts(void)
 {
@@ -2763,6 +2762,22 @@
 		o_ptr = &o_list[0 - item];
 	}
 
+	/*
+	 * Don't enchant artifacts, ego-items, cursed or broken items
+	 */
+	if (artifact_p(o_ptr) || ego_item_p(o_ptr) ||
+	    cursed_p(o_ptr) || broken_p(o_ptr))
+	{
+		/* Flush */
+		if (flush_failure) flush();
+
+		/* Fail */
+		msg_print("The fiery enchantment failed.");
+
+		/* Notice */
+		return (TRUE);
+	}
+
 	/* Message */
 	msg_print("Your bolts are covered in a fiery aura!");