I bet that the black thing in the center of the photo is a needle threader. It looks similar to this one in the link, but doesn't have the metal piece on it.
http://www.thecolorfulworldofsewing....-threader.aspx
If there is 4 points on the end with a flat piece of metal that comes out the center than this is what it is. Once you get use to it they are the best invention since sliced bread!