diff --git a/tailbone/grids/core.py b/tailbone/grids/core.py
index 64547a5a..c5290a31 100644
--- a/tailbone/grids/core.py
+++ b/tailbone/grids/core.py
@@ -813,9 +813,6 @@ class Grid(object):
         Paginate the given data set according to current settings, and return
         the result.
         """
-        if not self.model_class:
-            return data
-
         # we of course assume our current page is correct, at first
         pager = self.make_pager(data)