powbum was kidding around. It's just an American-made slat bench, pretty common, not terribly valuable but popular with people who like the look but can't afford the George Nelson slat bench. I hope you didn't pay much for it in that condition! Hopefully the joints are sturdy. These often get wobbly in their old age.
I'd strip the finish and ebonize it with India ink for a cleaner look. The wood species isn't all that gorgeous in my opinion, but I also love how a black table or chair looks in a room. I happened to find one that someone painted black---the photo is not staged very well but will give you an idea of the look. Ink would give it a very soft sheen, not glossy.
I doubt very much that there was any one designer responsible for this. It is most likely "designed by committee" for some furniture manufacturer after the Nelson bench appeared on the market.
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