What Tool is This...

 This is some kind of tool that was in my Dad's old paper mill stuff. I don't know what it is for. Some you mill hands that read here might help me out.

It has a "T" handle. Shaft from the handle is flexible wire, some more so than others. Comes in different sizes and some items have a slightly different style about them as if produced by various sources. All end in a cork screw point. 

Some "T" handles have writing on them. A quick buff from a dremal tool brush revels the words Mound St. Louis on some but not all handles. 
An internet search shows that there is a Mound company in St. Louis that makes meat processing tools. I see nothing like this item in their catalog. 

Ideas anyone?