ORIGINAL – WW1 JAPANESE NAVY CRUISER CHITOSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION in SAN FRANCISCO 1898 PHOTO. WW1 JAPANESE NAVY CRUISER CHITOSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION in SAN FRANCISCO 1898 PHOTO. IN SAN FRANCISCO BAY IN 1898 CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY ON THE IMPERIAL JAPANESE CRUISER CHITOSE AT THE UNION IRON WORKS IN 1898. Chitose – During World War I. Was assigned to the Imperil Japanese Navy 2nd Fleet, and participated in patrols of the sea lanes between Singapore and Borneo against German commerce raiders and U-boats, as part of Japan’s contribution to the Allied war effort under the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. SHARP FOCUS AND VERY GOOD CONTRAST. 2 1/2″ x 3 11/16″. CONDITION IS VERY FINE.