diff --git a/traits/tests/test_observe.py b/traits/tests/test_observe.py
index b25426d10..b92b432a3 100644
--- a/traits/tests/test_observe.py
+++ b/traits/tests/test_observe.py
@@ -906,3 +906,27 @@ class Derived(Base):
         self.assertEqual(len(events), 0)
         obj.bar = 5
         self.assertEqual(len(events), 1)
+
+    def test_list_of_lists_insert(self):
+        # Regression test for enthought/traits#1761
+
+        # Given a list-of-lists trait, and an observer for the items
+        # on the inner list.
+
+        class A(HasTraits):
+            foo = List(List(Int()))
+
+        obj = A()
+        events = []
+        obj.observe(events.append, "foo:items:items")
+
+        # When we insert a list, then modify an item in that list
+        obj.foo.insert(0, [1, 2, 3])
+        obj.foo[0][2] = 4
+
+        # Then we get the expected event.
+        self.assertEqual(len(events), 1)
+        event = events[0]
+        self.assertEqual(event.index, 2)
+        self.assertEqual(event.removed, [3])
+        self.assertEqual(event.added, [4])
diff --git a/traits/trait_list_object.py b/traits/trait_list_object.py
index 0c9f8e5ce..d8db6c571 100644
--- a/traits/trait_list_object.py
+++ b/traits/trait_list_object.py
@@ -404,7 +404,7 @@ def insert(self, index, object):
         else:
             normalized_index = min(index, len(self))
         object = self.item_validator(object)
-        super().insert(index, self.item_validator(object))
+        super().insert(index, object)
         self.notify(normalized_index, [], [object])
 
     def pop(self, index=-1):