diff --git a/torba/torba/client/basenetwork.py b/torba/torba/client/basenetwork.py
index e443d2fc1..5a45dc848 100644
--- a/torba/torba/client/basenetwork.py
+++ b/torba/torba/client/basenetwork.py
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ class BaseNetwork:
 
     def get_transaction(self, tx_hash, known_height=None):
         # use any server if its old, otherwise restrict to who gave us the history
-        restricted = not known_height or 0 > known_height > self.remote_height - 10
+        restricted = known_height in (None, -1, 0) or 0 > known_height > self.remote_height - 10
         return self.rpc('blockchain.transaction.get', [tx_hash], restricted)
 
     def get_transaction_height(self, tx_hash, known_height=None):