diff --git a/engine/src/ogre/com/jme3/scene/plugins/ogre/MeshLoader.java b/engine/src/ogre/com/jme3/scene/plugins/ogre/MeshLoader.java
index 686c66bcc..ac233c78d 100644
--- a/engine/src/ogre/com/jme3/scene/plugins/ogre/MeshLoader.java
+++ b/engine/src/ogre/com/jme3/scene/plugins/ogre/MeshLoader.java
@@ -232,8 +232,8 @@ public class MeshLoader extends DefaultHandler implements AssetLoader {
         
         if (mat == null) {
             logger.log(Level.WARNING, "Cannot locate {0} for model {1}", new Object[]{matName, key});
-            mat = PlaceholderAssets.getPlaceholderMaterial(assetManager);
-            mat.setKey(key);
+            mat = PlaceholderAssets.getPlaceholderMaterial(assetManager);          
+            mat.setKey(new MaterialKey(matName));
         }
 
         if (mat.isTransparent()) {