diff --git a/addons/io_scene_swbf_msh/msh_model_gather.py b/addons/io_scene_swbf_msh/msh_model_gather.py
index 6106bcf..a94255e 100644
--- a/addons/io_scene_swbf_msh/msh_model_gather.py
+++ b/addons/io_scene_swbf_msh/msh_model_gather.py
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ def gather_models(apply_modifiers: bool, export_target: str, skeleton_only: bool
     # Pure bones are just bones and after all objects are explored the only
     # entries remaining in this dict will be bones without geometry.  
     pure_bones_from_armature = {}
+    armature_found = None
 
     objects_to_export = select_objects(export_target)