mid century/modern chest- would anyone know who designed it?  

Why is it important who...
Why is it important who designed it?
You're already asking $640 dollars for it here: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/fuo/2756917454.html
You plan on raising the price?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/fuo/2756917454.html

There's something
'70-ish -- or Po Mo ? -- about this piece . . . The sled base, the overwrought pulls . . .

thomasville was never know...
thomasville was never know for being a designer piece
inexpensive furniture.

cheap crap
Anything it may have had (not much) is ruined by those minging pulls. Lose the zero from your price and you may be in business.

Di Frutta is fond of ball...
Di Frutta is fond of ball pulls, but I don't think this is his. Even he wouldn't use black laminate.