diff --git a/validity/models/device.py b/validity/models/device.py
index 498473f..1f07487 100644
--- a/validity/models/device.py
+++ b/validity/models/device.py
@@ -32,7 +32,10 @@ def _config_item(self) -> Serializable:
             data_file = self.data_source.datafiles.filter(path=config_path).first()
             return Serializable(self.serializer, data_file=data_file)
         except AttributeError as exc:
-            if exc.obj is not None:
+            # data_source may be None or, when the device is fetched without
+            # .prefetch_datasource()/.set_datasource(), missing altogether
+            missing_data_source = exc.obj is self and exc.name == "data_source"
+            if exc.obj is not None and not missing_data_source:
                 raise
             return Serializable(self.serializer, data_file=None)
 
diff --git a/validity/tests/test_models/test_vdevice.py b/validity/tests/test_models/test_vdevice.py
index 5e641f9..d4bdfcb 100644
--- a/validity/tests/test_models/test_vdevice.py
+++ b/validity/tests/test_models/test_vdevice.py
@@ -80,6 +80,12 @@ def test_config_item(create_custom_fields):
     assert device._config_item() == Serializable(device.serializer, None)
 
 
+def test_config_item_without_data_source(create_custom_fields):
+    device = DeviceFactory(name="d1")
+    device.serializer = SerializerDBFactory()
+    assert device._config_item() == Serializable(device.serializer, None)
+
+
 @pytest.mark.django_db
 def test_primary_ip():
     vdevice = DeviceFactory()