This depends on the age of the Essex frame.
Early Essex frames were not very good.
This was due to a lack of knowledge and experience in casting 1911 frames.
Later, Essex improved their technique, and I understand the current Essex frame are pretty good quality.
Some common problems with earlier Essex (and most other cast 1911 guns) were:
"Slumped" or 'blurred" castings where features were not formed properly.
This took the form of areas looking like they had not fully filled the mould,
Excessively porous castings.
Critical features like pin holes not being properly located.
Frame rails not being parallel, or one rail higher than another.
The frames not being properly heat treated. I once saw an early stainless frame made by Vega that was so soft, you could cut the frame rails with a dull pocket knife.
From the low serial number of your frame, I'd assume it's an earlier model, and I'd recommend inspecting and gauging it carefully before investing time and money in it.
