diff --git a/addons/mail/mail_thread.py b/addons/mail/mail_thread.py
index 3f002c4c2ac..f558d93ed1d 100644
--- a/addons/mail/mail_thread.py
+++ b/addons/mail/mail_thread.py
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@ class mail_thread(osv.AbstractModel):
                         to = to.name_get()[0][1]
                     else:
                         to = "Removed"
-                    if from_:
+                    if isinstance(from_, browse_record):
                         from_ = from_.name_get()[0][1]
                     
                     subtype = get_subtype(ci.column._obj,values[f])