The Fabrica de Boinas La Encartada was a beret factory located in the Biscayan town of Balmaseda in the Spanish Basque Country.
The factory was established in 1892 by Marcos Arena Bermejillo, a local Balmasedan who had made his fortune in the textile industry in Mexico. The production continued for 100 years, until it's closure in 1992. The factory’s principal product has always been the Basque beret, supplied in large numbers to the Basque and Spanish population, the police and military in Spain and abroad.In 2007 the factory re-opened as a museum, displaying a range of machines for processing wool originating in many parts of Europe. It shows how entrepreneurs were able to integrate machines from many European countries into a single manufacturing process.Boinas La Encartada was the main competitor of Boinas Elósegui and known for their berets’ excellent quality and durability.
La Encartada berets are now collectors’ items and South Pacific Berets has a very small supply of genuine, brand-new berets in 12.5 pulgadas (29cm diameter). These are one-size berets that need to be stretched before use (a simple procedure – instructions supplied) and come in two models with elaborately stitched satin lining and label.
As long as stock lasts, both models $89.50.
The original label that local Basque taxes are paid on these goods is still attached.
